By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
Consistent with the whole-of-government approach employed in response to the energy emergency, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) announced the allocation of P238 billion in funds to aid in this resolve.
In a session spearheaded by the House Committee on Ways and Means Wednesday, Budget Secretary Rolando Toledo underscored the need for such interventions amid rising fuel prices.
He told the lawmakers, “Aabot sa P238 bilyon ang maaari nating gamitin mula sa available appropriations—mula sa 2026 GAA, kasama na ang automatic at continuing appropriations. Ang mahalaga, mapunta ang bawat piso sa mga sektor na pinakaapektado.”
The Budget chief added that the funds were sourced from the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA), continuing appropriations and automatic appropriations, which will then be used to cover fuel subsidies for the transportation sector, provide aid to farmers and fisherfolk, support healthcare, and other social protection programs.
This would ensure unhampered delivery of public services while providing the necessary assistance to those in need. The government has earlier earmarked P2.5 billion for fuel subsidies and an additional P1 billion for service contracting of public utility vehicles (PUVs).
Such was compounded by the implementation of a 20% reduction in non-essential government spending to ensure proper allocation of financial resources, as the country bears the repercussions of the Middle East crisis.
This entails measures to save electricity, limiting non-essential trips, and using online engagements whenever possible, among other interventions to save energy.
Adherence to these guidelines will help the government save approximately P12.8 billion – P25.6 billion from March-December 2026, depending on an agency’s level of compliance with the DBM’s directive. (with report from Denisse Osorio | PTV News)
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