A significant portion of the nation’s financial plan for the year is now in motion, with over 62% of the allocated funds – a staggering P4.25 trillion – released to various sectors by the end of January.
Despite this substantial disbursement from a total budget of P6.793 trillion, a considerable P2.54 trillion remains undistributed, representing funds awaiting specific project needs or ongoing evaluations.
Interestingly, the current release pace is slightly slower than last year’s, falling behind the 64.9% achieved during the same period in January 2025, hinting at a more cautious approach to spending.
The bulk of the released funds, P2.759 trillion, has been directed towards government agencies, demonstrating a strong commitment to supporting ongoing public services and initiatives with a disbursement rate of 74.9%.
Alongside agency allocations, P121.918 billion was channeled into Special Purpose Funds, and a substantial P1.37 trillion was allocated to automatic appropriations – funds legally required for specific obligations.
A notable point is the comparatively low release to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), receiving only 12.1% of its total allocation, amounting to P63.92 billion out of a planned P529.595 billion.
This reduced flow of funds to the DPWH likely reflects heightened scrutiny and stricter spending controls implemented in the wake of recent infrastructure-related corruption concerns, prioritizing transparency and accountability.
The release of funds from Special Purpose Funds reached 16.9%, totaling P121.92 billion, while automatic appropriations saw a release of P1.37 trillion, covering crucial areas like retirement benefits, tax allotments, and block grants.
Within the automatic appropriations, P82.19 billion was dedicated to government employees’ retirement and life insurance, P1.19 trillion went towards the National Tax Allotment supporting local governments, and P93.98 billion was allocated as a Block Grant.
