DBM chief: Lower-than-requested fund not a budget cut

MANILA, Philippines — A lower-than-requested fund allocated to a government agency is not necessarily a budget cut, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said on Thursday. The statement came as the Senate began deliberations on the proposed national budget for 2027 amounting to P7.2 trillion. "Just because the full request wasn’t granted doesn’t mean it’s a budget cut," the DBM chief stated. He explained that budget allocations are determined by considering various factors such as agency priorities, alignment with national goals, and the availability of fiscal resources. The clarification was made amidst growing concerns that agencies might face operational challenges or project delays if their funding requests are not fully met. The DBM chief emphasized the transparency of the budget allocation process and the efforts to maximize the impact of limited resources. The proposed national budget for 2027 is expected to focus on areas such as economic growth, infrastructure development, social welfare programs, and national security. The allocation of the P7.2 trillion budget is anticipated to spark robust debates among lawmakers. In the Philippines, the deliberation of the national budget is a critical annual process that shapes the country's priorities and fiscal sustainability. The DBM chief's statement underscores the complexity of budget decisions, highlighting that more than just a simple reduction in funds is involved in the evaluation. Source: Inquirer NewsInfo