Malacaňang has confirmed Thursday the congressional realignment amounting to more than P80 billion was withheld by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said DBM Sec. Wendel Avisado told him the fund is in process.
“I talked with the Budget Secretary, and he told me about it. He said the P84 billion will not be released immediately, but depending on the need of the release thereof. In other words, there will be a process,” Panelo said.
Panelo believes the agency has not seen any irregularity in the fund and would not have been added to the national budget if there is a loophole.
The spokesperson also clarified that the Palace has nothing to do with the move by the DBM. – Report from Mela Lesmoras
