Government adds P270 billion to 2023 budget

MANILA, Philippines — The government has adjusted the national budget by nearly P270 billion, with the majority directed toward unprogrammed appropriations, resulting in a record-setting total of P5.54 trillion for the current year.

Latest data from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) showed that the adjusted program for the year had been set at P5.537 trillion as of end-November.

This is P269.312 billion above the programmed P5.268 trillion budget.

Of the P5.537 trillion, 97.6 percent has been released or about P5.406 trillion as of last month.

The entire P261.1 billion additional budget went to unprogrammed appropriations, which provide standby authority to incur additional agency obligations for priority programs or projects when revenue collection exceeds targets, and when additional grants or foreign funds are generated.

The DBM started adjusting the national budget in September with an initial P220.18 billion extra resources. By the end of 2022, total adjustments were reduced to P218.46 billion.

As of now, the 2023 adjusted program is 23 percent higher than last year’s level.

DBM data showed that of the unprogrammed appropriations, the biggest chunk at P196.23 billion went to support foreign- assisted projects of the Departments of Agrarian Reform, Agriculture, Finance, Health, Labor and Employment, Public Works and Highways, Trade and Industry, Transportation, and Social Welfare and Development, as well as the Philippine Competition Commission.

Around P22 billion was allocated for priority infrastructure programs for roads, bridges, multipurpose buildings, flood control and water systems of the DPWH.

Another P20.84 billion was earmarked for infrastructure projects and social programs of the DA and DSWD. Another P13.19 billion was allotted to the National Food Authority and P4 billion for the allowances of healthcare workers.

Some P4.14 billion and P2.14 billion were also given to the DPWH as a government counterpart for its projects and right of way and subsidy support, respectively.

Another P1.3 billion was allotted to the DOTr for the provision for payment of arrears.

About P4.6 billion has been earmarked for the miscellaneous personnel