Metro Manila, Philippines – The government can save up to ₱170 billion from non-essential expenses in the budget as part of austerity measures in response to the Middle East crisis, Senate finance committee chairman Win Gatchalian said.
“Travel, training, yung mga non essential-expenses tinignan namin yun… Nakikita natin na pwede tayo magtipid at the minimum mga ₱160 billion to ₱170 billion,” Gatchalian said during the Kapihan sa Senado media forum on Wednesday, March 25.
[Translation: We reviewed travel, training, and other non-essential expenses. We see that we can save at least ₱160 billion to ₱170 billion.]
Gatchalian, chairman of the ad hoc committee on the Middle East crisis, known as PROTECT (Proactive Response and Oversight for Timely and Effective Crisis Strategy), said the panel will make the necessary recommendations to the executive branch.
He said the committee conducted two simulations. A 10 percent cut in selected maintenance and other operating expenses, personnel services, and capital outlays could generate around ₱80 billion in savings, while a 20 percent reduction could yield more than ₱160 billion.
The committee is also studying postponing certain infrastructure projects and limiting personnel hiring, to prioritize funding for crisis response.
Earlier, the Department of Budget and Management said the government has ₱230 billion in available funds to address the impact of the Middle East crisis.
Gatchalian said the Senate is prepared to pass a supplemental budget if needed. Deputy Majority Leader Risa Hontiveros is pushing for a ₱52.8-billion augmentation to ensure sufficient assistance for sectors affected by the crisis.
