DBM releases 91.5% of nat’l budget as of July

MANILA, Philippines — The national government has released 91.5 percent of its P3.77 trillion budget in the first seven months of the year, data from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) showed.

In its latest Status of Allotment Releases report, the DBM said P3.445 trillion of the 2018 national budget has been released to state agencies as of end-July.

This means only about P321.15 billion of the government’s budget has yet to be given to agencies this year.

The 91.5 percent allotment rate posted last July was also higher than the 86.5 percent recorded the same period last year, DBM data showed.

Upon the release of allotments, state agencies and offices would be allowed to enter into contracts for public programs and projects. Funds would be obligated once they enter into contracts.

Agencies must then secure a notice of cash allocation from the DBM so they can redeem their checks from the Bureau of Treasury, which would be used to pay for their contracted services.

Of the total amount released as of July, the DBM said P2.16 trillion corresponds to the allotments given to departments and offices.

This corresponds to 94 percent of the P2.29 trillion programmed for line agencies under the 2018 General Appropriations Act.

According to the DBM, 19 agencies have already received 100 percent of their allotments as of July.

 These include the Office of the President,  Office of the Vice President, Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council, Commission on Elections, Anti-Money Laundering Council, Climate Change Commission, Commission on Filipinos Overseas, Dangerous Drugs Board, Governance Commission for Government- Owned and Controlled Corporations, National Anti-Poverty Commission, National Security Council, and the National Youth Commission.

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission, Philippine Commission on Women, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Philippine Racing Commission, Presidential Legislative Liaison Office and Presidential Management Staff have also received their full allotments.

The remaining agencies, except for three, have already received more than 90 percent of their allotments.

Meanwhile, P338.04 billion of the budget released from January to July came in the form of Special Purpose Funds. This represents 68.8 percent of the P491.47 billion allocated under this fund.

Special Purpose 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 P943.24 billion was released for automatic appropriations, which include debt payments, tax expenditures, grants and pensions, and others.