DBM clarifies P160-B ‘FLR’ infra, SAP funds never being withheld

Some P160 billion funds tagged “For Later Release” are not being withheld, the Department of Budget and Management said Friday.

“The DBM wishes to clarify that no funds are being withheld, including some P160-billion FLR appropriations for infrastructure and social amelioration programs that were identified by some members of the Senate,” it said.

DBM's clarification came after some lawmakers questioned why some P160 billion in funds were tagged FLR, which could have already been used to stimulate the economy. 

“It is noted that of the P158.36 billion FLR appropriations intended for the infrastructure programs of the Department of Public Works and Highways, P144.81 Billion has already been recommended by the DBM to the President for approval,” it said.

Also, the said amount comprises the bulk of the P261.05 billion unreleased appropriations under the P4.506-trillion national budget for 2021 as of June 30.

Latest data available from the DBM shows that P3.832 trillion of the P4.056-trillion 2021 budget was released as of June 30, which is equivalent to 85.1% of this year’s national budget.

“Of this amount, releases to line departments amounted to P2.38 trillion, equivalent to 90.1%, and is a marked improvement from last year’s 79.8% during the same period,” the DBM said.

Likewise, the agency said that it has fully released the respective allotments of most departments, including the P176.66 billion FLR appropriations of the Department of Social Welfare and Development for the implementation of its various social amelioration programs.

“Expenditure items classified as FLRs require the submission of special budget request and other supporting documentary requirements from the agencies concerned, consistent with National Budget Circular No. 583,” it said.

“These documents shall be evaluated by the DBM based on existing budgeting rules and regulations, and subsequently endorsed to the Office of the President for approval,” it added.

Moreover, the DBM noted that corresponding Special Allotment Release Order and Notice of Cash Allocation shall be issued immediately upon approval by the President.

“The DBM remains committed to ensuring that funds are readily available to support the implementation of various COVID-19 response programs geared towards making all sectors of the economy stronger and more agile,” it said. —LBG, GMA News