Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 4) — The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Wednesday clarified that the ₱449.5 billion unprogrammed appropriations under the 2024 budget are just “standby funds.”
\”Allow us to emphasize that unprogrammed appropriations are standby appropriations, outside the approved government fiscal program,\” the DBM statement read.
This, after Senate Minority Leader Koko Pimentel said he will challenge the 2024 budget before the Supreme Court for its \”unconstitutional\” increase made by Congress and allotted to unprogrammed appropriations.
READ: Pimentel to question 2024 budget in SC
The DBM argued that the \”standby\” appropriations will help the government address unforeseen expenditures and prioritize essential programs and projects next year.
\”It is not included in the ₱5.7676 trillion FY 2024 national budget by appropriation source,\” the DBM stressed.
READ: Pimentel: 2024 budget actually ₱6T after ‘unconstitutional’ hike in unprogrammed appropriations
Sen. Sonny Angara, chairman of the finance committee, earlier said the unprogrammed funds are \”conditional,\” and will depend on the government’s revenue or tax collections.
The budget agency likewise said the unprogrammed appropriations of the 2024 budget are not automatically allocated and can only be released if funding conditions are met.
\”Should there be new or excess revenues that may trigger the availability of the unprogrammed funds, government agencies are required to submit the necessary documentary requirements before access to the standby funds is given,\” it added.
The DBM also cited the constitutional provision under Section 29 (1), Article 6 which states that \”no money shall be paid out of the Treasury except in pursuance of an appropriation made by law.\”
