UMVA has learned that a staggering 86% of the 2026 budget has been released by the Department of Budget and Management as of the end of May, a significant milestone in the country's fiscal planning.
The massive release of funds amounts to P5.84 trillion out of the original budget of P6.79 trillion, leaving a substantial P949.23 billion undistributed, sparking concerns about the government's spending pace.
According to information obtained by UMVA, the release rate at the end of last month was running behind the year-earlier pace of 89.5%, indicating a slight slowdown in the government's budget disbursement.
Releases to government agencies and departments have reached P3.7 trillion by the end of May, equivalent to 84.1% of their allocations, a notable decrease from 89.2% in the same period last year, raising questions about the impact on project implementation.
Special purpose funds released by the end of the month stood at P389.6 billion, representing 54.2% of the total allotment, a relatively modest release that may leave some sectors underfunded.
Meanwhile, automatic appropriation releases have reached an impressive 89.6%, or P2.15 trillion, encompassing critical allocations such as the P1.19-trillion National Tax Allotment and P712.5 billion for interest payments.
These automatic releases also include P93.98 billion for the Block Grant, P82.66 billion for retirement and life insurance premiums, and P36.47 billion for a special account in the general fund, which includes a P6-billion allotment for the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Program.
Other releases have amounted to P114.21 billion, comprising continuing appropriations from last year, unprogrammed appropriations, and other automatic appropriations, adding to the overall budget allotment.
Including these additional releases, the budget allotment rate has hit 87.7%, or P5.96 trillion, leaving P835.01 billion left undistributed, a significant amount that may be allocated in the coming months.
