Higher budget looms for DICT

MANILA, Philippines - The government may propose a higher budget than initially estimated next year to cover the operations of the newly created Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), officials said.

“Since the law was just recently signed, we have not received any (budget) proposal,” Budget Secretary Florencio Abad said in a text message.

Budget Undersecretary Laura Pascua said in a separate message yesterday: “DICT can use ICT (office) appropriations initially and request additional if needed.”

The government has set a budget ceiling of P3.35 trillion for 2017, 11.6 percent up from this year. Budget preparations are ongoing and will continue into the next administration.

DICT was created under RA 10844, separating ICT functions from the present Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC).

DOTC could not be reached for comment yesterday. Under 2017 budget guidelines, the agency may propose up to P65.26 billion in funding next year, subject to approval.

As a result of the new law, five agencies with ICT functions will be collapsed and their functions transferred to DICT.

They are the ICT office, National Computer Center, National Computer Institute, Telecommunications Office and National Telecommunications and Training Institute.

For the remainder of 2016, Abad said DICT may source its budget from these agencies as well as the contingent fund worth P4 billion.

Hiring of new personnel and other benefits may also be covered by the miscellaneous personnel benefits fund allotted P96.48 billion under the present outlay.

“If still not enough, during the course of the 2017 budget deliberations, adjustments can still be made to accommodate the requirements of the new DICT,” the budget chief said.

As to employment impact, Abad said the law’s implementing rules and regulations (IRR) will tackle the adjustments. The Duterte government is also left with crafting the IRR.

RA 10844 prescribed a six-month transition period from the current set-up to cover the transfer of functions, assets and personnel.

Existing personnel shall continue to hold their positions in holdover capacities until new appointments are made. Incoming president Rodrigo Duterte has not announced his choice for DICT chief.