Government releases 81% of P3.35 T budget

MANILA, Philippines - The government has released 81.1 percent of the P3.35 trillion budget as of April 30,  data from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) showed.

According to the latest DBM data, P2.72 trillion of the government’s total budget in 2017 was already released as of the first four months.

The allotment rate for April was slightly lower than the 83.5 percent recorded a year ago.

Once allotments are released, state agencies and offices are now allowed to enter into contracts so funds may be obligated.

They must secure a notice of cash allocation, before they can redeem their checks from the Bureau of Treasury to pay for their contracted services.

Of the amount released as of April, P1.68 trillion went to state agencies. This corresponds to 85.2 percent of the P1.97 trillion program for government agencies under the General Appropriations Act.

DBM data showed that 17 agencies have already acquired their entire outlays as of April. These include the Office of the Vice President, Commission on Elections, Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council, Dangerous Drugs Board, and Movie And Television Review And Classification Board, among others.

Other agencies have about 60 percent to over 90 percent allotment rates, except the Commission on Higher Education which has so far only received 13.6 percent of its P18.7 billion budget.

Meanwhile, P148.99 billion of the total budget releases as of April came in the form of special purpose funds. These funds cover lump-sum allocations for specific purposes.

The release of these requires the submission of special budget requests duly supported by complete documentary requirements.

The remaining P872.27 billion was released for automatic appropriations, which include debt payments, tax expenditures, grants and pensions, and others.