GOVERNMENT agencies may request additional fund releases until November 3 to prioritize allocations before the fiscal year ends, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said.
The DBM issued a circular, signed by Budget Secretary Kim Robert C. De Leon, moving up the deadline for submitting agency requests for the release of additional funds needing the issuance of obligational and disbursement authorities and other similar approvals and authority.
‘In order to maximize the use of available funds, and considering the limited validity period for release, obligation and utilization of all budget authorization, agencies are enjoined to submit to the [DBM] their requests,’ it said.
The DBM said the earlier deadline would enable the agency to timely assess and prioritize budgetary requests, given that this year’s budget is almost released.
As of October 15, a total of P6.596 trillion has been released from this year’s P6.793-trillion expenditure program.
Meanwhile, the DBM exempts some mandatory or urgent purposes from the November 3 cut-off date, although subject to the availability of funds.
These include additional personnel services requirements, including government share contributions for Retirement and Life Insurance Premium, terminal leave benefits of national government personnel devolved to LGUs, among others.
Requests for the issuance of non-cash availment authorities to enable the proper recording of loan disbursements, as well as for emergency responses stemming from extraordinary or prevailing circumstances are also exempted from the earlier deadline.
The DBM said requests must be complete and in order, accompanied by all documentary requirements prescribed in the DBM Citizen’s Charter.
Submissions must be coursed directly through the DBM Central Records Division on or before the deadline.