By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
Reinforcing the administration’s thrust towards funneling public funds where it truly matters, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) announced policy revisions to place a firmer grip on where the budget is spent.
In his speech at the 58th annual conference of the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (FINEX) on October 9, Budget Secretary Kim Robert de Leon said that the long-overdue interventions aim to make government reforms resonate with the masses.
He said, “Especially now that we are in the fourth quarter, so surely there will be a surge in utilization because there will be parties left and right masquerading to be planning sessions.”
Secretary de Leon also said that it is about time to ensure that public expenditures are strategically planned and managed, asserting that fiscal discipline should expand beyond spending targets alone.
The Budget chief declared, “Please be assured that policy revisions will be out very soon, tightening the government’s policy in ensuring that we spend our money wisely and for the benefit of our people.”
The forthcoming revisions are intended to address spending practices that may undermine the efficient use of government resources, while preserving legitimate activities necessary for effective planning, coordination, and public service delivery.
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro added in a press briefing Tuesday, “Hindi rin dapat nakabatay lang sa laki ng nagastos na budget ang performance ng isang ahensya; mas mahalagang suriin kung ano ang mga konkretong resulta at serbisyong naibigay nito sa publiko.”
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