DBM distances from P142.7 billion ‘insertions’ in 2025 budget

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Monday clarified that it was not involved in the alleged P142.7 billion in insertions in the 2025 national budget, saying such amendments fall solely within the power of Congress.

Budget Undersecretary Goddes Hope Libiran emphasized that the DBM’s role is limited to preparing the President’s budget or the National Expenditure Program (NEP), which is turned over to Congress for scrutiny and amendment.

“Once we turn it over to Congress (the House of Representatives and the Senate) they have the authority to deliberate, amend and adjust allocations, as they are the ones mandated by the Constitution to do that. They hold the power of the purse,” Libiran told The STAR.

Former Senate president Vicente Sotto III has called for a probe into the alleged P142.7-billion insertions in the 2025 budget.

News reports said the insertions, mostly infrastructure allocations, were introduced during the bicameral conference deliberations in late 2024.

The insertions appeared to favor specific areas such as Bulacan, Sorsogon, Mindoro, Batangas, Davao, Quezon, Cavite, Valenzuela City and Cebu.

Libiran said the DBM is not part of the bicameral conference committee and therefore has no role in any changes made during that stage of the budget process.

“Any questions about the alleged insertions or adjustments, we cannot answer because we were not involved in that process,” she said.

“Again, let me reiterate, Congress holds the power of the purse. The best agency to ask about the alleged insertions is Congress itself, because they have the power to make those changes. Not the DBM.”

Libiran added that the DBM supports efforts to enhance transparency in the budget process, including calls for open bicameral meetings.

“We have been very consistent – and we were among the first to suggest it – that if both houses of Congress are amenable, we fully support having an open bicameral conference committee meeting. The DBM has always advocated for transparency,” she said.

While the DBM does not take part in congressional insertions, it plays a role in the release of funds.

Under budget rules, all congressional amendments, or those inserted during plenary debates or bicameral stage of budget deliberations, are subject to conditional implementation. This means the DBM will not automatically release funds for such items unless key requirements are met, such as endorsements from implementing agencies or the issuance of specific guidelines through a joint memorandum circular.

In contrast, items that are part of the original NEP, which was crafted by DBM and submitted to Congress typically in August, are covered by general allotment release orders, which allow immediate funding without special clearance or documentation.

The bicameral conference committee, where lawmakers finalize the budget, is composed solely of members of the House and the Senate. The DBM has no access to these closed-door discussions.

PCCI backs 20 bills

The country’s largest business organization is calling on President Marcos to endorse in his upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA) 20 critical legislative measures that will support economic growth.

In a letter to Malacañang, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) president Enunina Mangio said the proposals target structural reforms to “unlock the full potential of our economy” and ensure “broadly shared and sustainable growth.”

The PCCI said the proposed measures are also in line with the government’s aim to improve the country’s competitiveness, expand economic opportunities and promote innovation.

Among the measures being pushed by the PCCI is the Open Access in Data Transmission Bill, which seeks to expand high-speed internet access nationwide and fully leverage the Digital Transformation Roadmap and National Fiber Backbone.

The group also expressed support for the passage of a National Comprehensive Infrastructure Masterplan to have a long-term framework for strategic and resilient infrastructure investment.

To improve logistics efficiency and reduce costs, the PCCI is backing the International Maritime Competitiveness Act and amendments to both the Philippine Ports Authority Act and Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines Charter to resolve conflicting mandates and enhance regulatory oversight in shipping and aviation.

To help micro, small and medium enterprises grow, the PCCI is calling for amendments to the Magna Carta for MSMEs, as well as enhancing access to finance, markets and technology.

Reforms in the agricultural and fisheries sectors are in view through the Blue Economy Act, Corporate Farming Act, amendments to the Agri-Agra Law, ASIN Law, Warehouse Receipts Act, as well as the National Land Use and Management Act.

The business group also supports workforce-aligned policies such as the Apprenticeship Training System Act and amendments to the Dual Training System Act.

The National Quality Infrastructure Act meanwhile will support export competitiveness. The Budget Modernization and Reform Act and Customs Amnesty Act will enhance public service delivery and fiscal accountability.

Meanwhile, the Filipino Nurses United has expressed support for a measure seeking automatic appropriation of at least five percent of the country’s gross domestic product for public health services. — Rhodina Villanueva, Louella Desiderio