Php 1.323 trillion have been released from January 1 to April 30 of this year, according to data provided by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

The total release includes the 2018 General Appropriations Act (GAA) as reenacted, automatic appropriations, continuing appropriations, among other appropriations.

Allotment releases to the line departments under the 2018 GAA as reenacted have reached PhP 642.44 billion. These include funds allocated to agencies in the Executive branch, Congress, the Judiciary, and other constitutional offices.

Allotment releases issued by the DBM, enable agencies to incur obligations to finance the delivery of public services, such as education, healthcare, poverty alleviation, and infrastructure development.

In addition, fund releases from Special Purpose Funds (SPFs) amounted to PhP 54.56 billion. Notable releases came from the Pension and Gratuity Fund, Budgetary Support to Government Corporations, and the Miscellaneous Personnel Benefits Fund.

Furthermore, automatic appropriations totaled PhP 611.04 billion were released with the Internal Revenue Allotment comprising most of the amount at PhP 575.52 billion. Other releases under automatic appropriations include the Retirement and Life Insurance premium, Tax Expenditures Fund and Custom Duties and Taxes, and the Special Account in the General Fund.

Under the continuing appropriations of the 2018 GAA, PhP 4.27 billion have been released. In addition to releases from SPFs, funds allocated to the Department of Public Works and Highways, the Department of Health, among other agencies were also included.

Moreover, unprogrammed appropriations in the amount of PhP 9.86 billion have been released in support to foreign-assisted projects of the Department of Transportation. These funds covered loan proceeds requirements for the implementation of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 Rehabilitation Project and Phase I of the North-South Commuter Railway Project.

Lastly, PhP 494.98 million in other automatic appropriations have been released from grants, donations, and the AFP Modernization Program.

(30)