The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said it has determined the methods to be used by the agencies fitheir budgeting was interrupted by a last-minute congressional resolution.
“This is to clarify issues related to the order of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to the National Government Agencies (NGAs) to ensure adequate funding for legacy projects and programs, affected by changes or changes introduced by Congress in the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA),” DBM said in a statement.
Mr. Marcos had ordered agencies to focus on programs that are ready to be implemented and look for savings that could be restructured, taking into account “suboptimal” spending plans due to budget cuts.
DBM said it is committed to fixing any fundingfibranches of various departments by 2025, through the use of the Contingent Fund or Unprogrammed Appropriations, and the savings received by the agencies.
It said any such issuance is subject to the conditions and requirements set forth in the applicable Special and General Provisions contained in the P6.326-trillion 2025 GAA.
“First, the allocations available within the agency’s budget can be declared as savings, as long as defiExcerpted from Article 77 of the GAA General Provisions 2025. The use of these funds will be in accordance with the rules for the expansion of funds provided in Section 78,” he said.
Tapping the Contingency Fund – used only for the requirements of new and/or urgent projects and activities – must be disbursed within a year, and requires the approval of the President.
DBM also listed infrastructure and social programs that may be covered by Unprogrammed Appropriations. Conditions attached to the use of such funds include the availability of excess income, which must be verifiedfiorganized by the Bureau of the Treasury.
“We are united with the President in talking about guaranteed fundingfi“Said DBM.
“Nevertheless, it is understood that the process and procedures to be carried out must strictly comply with budget, accounting and auditing laws, rules and regulations,” he added.
In another statement, DBM also dismissed allegations that it changed the GAA.
“There is no truth to the rumors spread by fake news peddlers and government detractors that the DBM planned the 2025 General Appropriation Act to fill in spaces, as there is not one page or fiyou are missing out on the 2025 GAA,” DBM said. – Aubrey Rose A. Inosante