Leonor Magtolis Briones

Leonor Magtolis Briones is Professor Emeritus of the National College of Public Administration of the University of the Philippines. She was former Secretary to the Commission on Audit, Vice-President for Finance of the University of the Philippines System, and Treasurer of the Philippines.

Professor Briones has written a book, Public Fiscal Administration in the Philippines, which is considered a timeless classic and is a required textbook for courses in public administration. She has also written countless papers, articles and position papers on issues related to public finance--revenues , budgets, borrowing and accountabiity.

Prof. Briones is not only an academic. She is an activist as well. She is Lead Convenor of Social Watch Philippines which has been campaigning against lump sum appropriations since 2006. Social Watch Philippines coordinates the Alternative Budget Initiative which submits alternative budgets for social development. She Chairs the People's Public Finance Institute which is supported by the United Nations Development Program. She is also Chair of the Board of Trustees of Silliman University.

Citizens frequently complain that they can't understand government policies. Her column in Manila Speak explains government policies by telling stories of ordinary folk who are either affected, ignored or neglected by the very institutions sworn to protect them.