Mariing itinanggi ng Department of Budget and Management (DBM) ang mga alegasyong pagpapaantala sa paglabas ng pondo para sa public works projects.
Sa inilabas na statement ng ahensiya ngayong Martes, Marso 17, iginiit ng DBM na tinitiyak lamang nila na ang pondo ay inilalabas ayon sa batas at sa badyet na inaprubahan ng Pangulo at ng Kongreso.
“First, the DBM does not arbitrarily delay the release of funds, nor does it create policies outside the law. All budget releases are governed strictly by the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA)—a law passed by Congress itself and approved by the President,” paliwanag ng ahensiya.
“For several locally funded infrastructure (LFI) projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Congress introduced amendments—including adjustments in project descriptions, station limits, and geographic coordinates—which resulted in modifications to projects originally proposed in the National Expenditure Program (NEP) submitted by the Executive,” saad pa ng DBM.
Nilinaw din ng DBM na hindi nila iminamandato ang pagsasailalim muna sa mga proyekto sa bidding bago pagpasyahan ang paglalabas ng pondo.
“Second, it is inaccurate to claim that DBM requires projects to be bid out first before deciding whether funds will be released. What the DBM advises agencies is to undertake early procurement activities short of award for programs, activities, and projects included in the NEP. This allows implementing agencies to prepare procurement processes in advance and accelerate project implementation, bit is undertaken short of award because the NEP remains subject to the legislative process, during which project parameters may still be adjusted,” paglilinaw ng ahensiya.
Giit pa ng ahensiya na hindi sila maaaring maglabas ng mga pondo maliban na lamang kung may pormal na request mula sa implementing agency.
“Third, allow us to emphasize that the DBM cannot release funds for a project that has not been requested by the implementing agency. Budget releases are triggered by official requests from implementing agencies, not by unilateral action on the part of DBM,” ayon sa budget department.
Ang pahayag na ito ay tugon sa mga alegasyon ng ilang mambabatas na nagsasabing naantala ang mga pagpopondo para sa mga locally funded infrastructure projects sa ilalim ng DPWH.
