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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider Budget chief defends unprogrammed funds for 2024

Budget chief defends unprogrammed funds for 2024

Published Dec 24, 2023 03:59 am

At A Glance

  • The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) clarified that the unprogrammed funds in next year's budget currently lack actual funds and will only be utilized in the event of unforeseen expenses and surplus revenue.<br>Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman explained that standby funds, which have protections to prevent illegal spending, are different from the approved government budget.<br>Pangandaman pointed out that unprogrammed funds are only accessible if there is additional revenue beyond the initial projection or if the government secures approved loans and grants from abroad, unlike the approved government fiscal program.<br>Furthermore, the budget chief emphasized that if there are additional revenues that could activate the availability of unprogrammed funds, government agencies must still fulfill the necessary requirements before being granted access to the standby fund.<br>Senate Minority Leader Koko Pimentel raised concerns about the abrupt increase in the unprogrammed funds in next year's budget, which rose from the proposed P281.9 billion to P731.4 billion following the bicameral conference.<br>Senator Sonny Angara justified the increase, stating that it will be contingent on the government's revenue or tax collections.<br>President Marcos signed the P5.768 trillion national budget for 2024 into law last week.

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) clarified that the unprogrammed funds in next year's budget do not contain actual money at present, and will only be utilized in the event of unexpected expenses and additional revenue.

In a statement, Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman explained that the standby funds, which have measures in place to prevent illegal spending, are not the same as the approved government budget.

Pangandaman pointed out that unprogrammed funds are only accessible if there is additional revenue beyond the initial projection or if the government secures approved loans and grants from abroad.

“[Unprogrammed funds] serve as an important tool for the government to address unforeseen expenditures and prioritize essential programs and projects,” the DBM chief said.

“They are not automatically allocated, and can only be released if several funding conditions are met,” she added.

“Such as when the government, through the Bureau of the Treasury, is able to collect excess revenue/income beyond its initial projection, or should foreign or approved financial loans/grants proceeds are realized,” Pangandaman noted.

Furthermore, the budget chief emphasized that if there are additional revenues that could activate the availability of unprogrammed funds, government agencies must still fulfill the necessary requirements before being granted access to the standby fund.

“Such conditions ensure that spending stays within legal limits,” Pangandaman said.

Earlier, Senate Minority Leader Koko Pimentel raised concerns about the abrupt increase in the unprogrammed funds in next year's budget, which rose from the proposed P281.9 billion to P731.4 billion following the bicameral conference. 

However, Senator and Committee on Finance Chairman Sonny Angara justified the increase, stating that it will be contingent on the government's revenue or tax collections. 

Despite the contentious rise in unprogrammed funds, President Marcos signed the P5.768 trillion national budget for 2024 into law last week.

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Department of Budget and Management Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman
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