#department of budget and management dbm

[rhk111sblog]

DBM releases Payments for three AFP Modernization Programs

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) recently released the Payments for three of the Modernization Programs of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). The three Programs are the:

BrahMos Missile Acquisition of the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC)

C-130J Super Hercules Transport Aircraft of the Philippine Air Force (PAF)

Long Range Patrol Aircraft (LRPA) of the PAF

The most recent released Payment for the BrahMos Missiles is the third one, the first and second ones was released at the same time two Years ago last December of 2021.

Here is the Link to the Article at the Philippine News Agency (PNA) Website: https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1215325

SOURCE: DBM releases P5.6-B 3rd Payment for BrahMos Missile System {Archived Link}

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[carlocarrasco]

PhilHealth assures members it has sufficient funds for 2025

Recently the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) confirmed that it has enough funds to cover the benefit package payments and other matters for its members in 2025, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface… The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation…

[teachpinas]

16,000 New Teaching Items Approved by DBM for SY 2025-2026

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved 16,000 New Teaching Items for public schools for the upcoming SY 2025-2026. This initiative aims to strengthen the education sector and ensure sufficient manpower in schools. The approved positions include 15,343 Teacher I posts (Salary Grade 11), 157 Special Science Teachers (Salary Grade 13), and 500 Special Education (SPED) Teacher I…

[angsuga]

𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗞: Cebu Normal University (CNU), headed by the University President Dr. Daniel Ariaso Sr., held the Ceremonial Oath Taking Program yesterday morning, June 10, at the Idea and Knowledge Center (IKC). During the said ceremony, a total of 118 newly promoted and reclassified faculty members took oath of their new positions under the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) – Commission on Higher…

[pannaginip]

Former Department of Health (DOH) secretary Francisco Duque III has told solons that it was former president Rodrigo Duterte who ordered the controversial transfer of P47.6 billion from the DOH to the Procurement Service of the Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM) for the purchase of Covid-19 supplies in 2020.

Duque gave this statement on Monday, June 3 during an oversight hearing of the House Committee on Appropriations.

The panel, under its senior vice-chairperson, Marikina City 2nd district Rep. Stella Quimbo has been reviewing the budget performance of the DOH and the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth).

The Office of the Ombudsman had recently ordered the filing of graft charges against Duque and former DBM Undersecretary Christopher Lao over what it regarded as “irregular transfer” of DOH funds to PS-DBM for the procurement of Covid-19 supplies.

The anti-graft body also found Duque and Lao guilty of grave misconduct, gross neglect of duty, and conduct prejudicial to the service.

2024 Jun. 3

[thxnews]

Boost in Health Funds: A Fresh Horizon for the Philippines

DBM Announces Significant Increase in Health Budget

In a remarkable move by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), the Philippines is set to witness a substantial enhancement in its healthcare infrastructure. This development comes as the DBM allocates a whopping PHP28.58 billion under the 2024 General Appropriations Act, specifically earmarked for the Department of Health's Health Facilities Enhancement Program (DOH-HFEP). Representing a 6.6 percent increase from the previous year's PHP26.81 billion, this boost in funding is a clear indicator of the government's unwavering commitment to healthcare reform.   A Testament to Progressive Governance Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman has lauded this increased allotment as a testament to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s strong commitment to transforming the Philippines into a "Bagong Pilipinas" — a New Philippines where access to quality primary healthcare is not just a vision but a reality. The administration's dedication to enhancing the country's healthcare facilities, both in number and capability, is evident in its continuous support for the HFEP.   Prioritizing Public Health Understanding the critical dependence of many Filipinos on public hospitals and healthcare centers, the government emphasizes the necessity of equipping these facilities to meet the diverse needs of its citizens. Additionally, it underscores the importance of prioritizing resources for enhancing the capacity of these institutions, thereby ensuring comprehensive healthcare coverage for all. Secretary Pangandaman remarked, "It’s important that our health facilities are prepared and equipped to cater to the needs of our kababayans (fellow countrymen)."   Comprehensive Healthcare Enhancement The allocated budget for the HFEP will facilitate the construction, upgrading, and expansion of government healthcare facilities across the nation. Additionally, it will cover the procurement of essential hospital equipment and medical transport vehicles. With a focus on Universal Health Care (UHC) sites and Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAS), the program aims to prioritize those most in need. Moreover, the HFEP actively commits to upgrading essential facilities to ensure robust response measures to COVID-19 and future public health emergencies, highlighting the government's proactive approach to safeguarding public health.   Sources: THX News & Philippine News Agency. Read the full article

[militaryleak]

Philippines Department of Budget and Management Releases 3rd Payment for BrahMos Missile System

The Philippines Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released the third milestone payment worth PHP5.67 billion for the Philippine Navy's (PN) acquisition of the Indian-made BrahMos cruise missile system. The amount was included under the DBM's Special Allotment Release Order (SARO)-BMB-D-23-0026645 worth PHP11.390 billion on Dec. 11, based on the DBM's latest SARO list as of Wednesday. The total amount also covers the second milestone payments of the Additional Air Transport Capability Acquisition Project (C130J) and Long Range Patrol Aircraft of the Philippine Air Force worth PHP3.330 billion and PHP2.390 billion respectively, under the the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program (RAFPMP). BrahMos has been selected for the Navy's Shore-Based Anti-Ship Missile System (SBASMS) which is under the RAFPMP. This weapon platform is expected to address the country’s military’s weaknesses and vulnerability in sea control, anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD), and coastal and island defense operations. The first two SAROs for the BrahMos worth PHP1.3 billion and PHP1.535 billion were issued on Dec. 27, 2021. The BrahMos contract is worth PHP18.9 billion. Former DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and BrahMos Aerospace director general Atul Dinkar Rane signed the contract for the BrahMos missile system in a virtual ceremony at defense headquarters at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City in January 2022.

The Philippines Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released the third milestone payment worth PHP5.67 billion for the Philippine Navy’s (PN) acquisition of the Indian-made BrahMos cruise missile system. The amount was included under the DBM’s Special Allotment Release Order (SARO)-BMB-D-23-0026645 worth PHP11.390 billion on Dec. 11, based on the DBM’s latest SARO list as of Wednesday.…

[dennis-cunanan4]

Justice Served: Dennis Cunanan Cleared of Allegations

In a legal saga that captured the nation's attention, Dennis Cunanan, the former Department of Budget and Management (DBM) undersecretary, has been cleared of all allegations in a stunning conclusion to a protracted legal battle. The road from accusation to exoneration has been fraught with challenges, but the recent verdict stands as a testament to the resilience of the justice system and the commitment to upholding the principle of innocence until proven guilty.

The Allegations

Dennis Cunanan's legal odyssey began with grave accusations of involvement in the misuse of public funds. The allegations not only posed a threat to his professional standing but also cast a long shadow over his personal reputation. The legal proceedings that followed delved into the intricacies of the case, examining financial records, witness testimonies, and the nuances of public administration.

Legal Battleground

The courtroom became the arena where the battle for justice unfolded. The prosecution presented a case laden with claims of financial impropriety and corruption, seeking to establish a direct link between Cunanan and the alleged misconduct. On the other side, the defense meticulously dissected the evidence, scrutinizing witness credibility and challenging the veracity of the allegations.

Dennis Cunanan consistently maintained his innocence throughout the trial, insisting that the charges were baseless and politically motivated. As the legal proceedings progressed, the public watched with bated breath, eager to see whether justice would prevail.

A Thorough Examination

The legal journey of Dennis Cunanan involved a thorough examination of the evidence presented by both sides. The court meticulously reviewed financial transactions, cross-examined witnesses, and evaluated the credibility of the prosecution's case. The burden of proof lay squarely on the shoulders of those accusing Cunanan, emphasizing the foundational principle of "innocent until proven guilty."

The Defense's Vigorous Efforts

The defense played a pivotal role in dismantling the prosecution's case. Legal experts meticulously combed through the evidence, exposing inconsistencies and raising questions about the reliability of key witnesses. The defense team's efforts were not merely a fight for an individual's innocence; they were a defense of the very principles that underpin a fair and just legal system.

The Verdict: Acquittal and Vindication

In a climactic moment that surprised many, the court pronounced Dennis Cunanan not guilty of all charges. The verdict marked the culmination of years of legal battles, and the sense of vindication was palpable. Cunanan, who had weathered the storm with unwavering determination, emerged from the legal quagmire with his name cleared and his reputation restored.

Conclusion

Dennis Cunanan's journey from accusation to acquittal is a powerful narrative of the resilience of the justice system. The recent verdict serves as a reminder that, even in the face of serious allegations, individuals are entitled to a fair and impartial legal process. As the legal dust settles, Dennis Cunanan can now move forward with the assurance that justice has been served, and his name has been rightfully cleared of all allegations.

[dennistorejaperez]

DBM Approves ₱3 Billion Fuel Subsidy for Over a Million Transportation Workers Amidst Soaring Oil Prices

“The LBP (Landbank of the Philippines) shall distribute the subsidies through the identified modes of payment, upon receipt of instructions from the LTFRB on the procedures, mechanics, and the agreed schedule.” Department of Budget Management (DBM) Manila, September 8, 2023 – In a move to alleviate the financial burden on more than a million transportation workers affected by the relentless…

[pressplusdaily]

DBM Approves ₱3 Billion Fuel Subsidy for Over a Million Transportation Workers Amidst Soaring Oil Prices

“The LBP (Landbank of the Philippines) shall distribute the subsidies through the identified modes of payment, upon receipt of instructions from the LTFRB on the procedures, mechanics, and the agreed schedule.” Department of Budget Management (DBM) Manila, September 8, 2023 – In a move to alleviate the financial burden on more than a million transportation workers affected by the relentless…

[carlocarrasco]

COMELEC-led plebiscite in Las Piñas City set for June 29, 2024

Residents of the City of Las Piñas will be voting in a plebiscite – to be conducted by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) – to approve or reject an ordinance that will set the territorial boundaries of all barangays on June 29, 2024, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Voting hours will be from 7AM to 3PM. To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report…

[alapan1es]

DepEd Order 17 s 2023 Amendment in Special Hardship Allowance

DepEd Order 17 s 2023 Amended Guidelines on the Provision of Special Hardship Allowance for Public School TeachersTo: UndersecretariesAssistant SecretariesBureau and Service DirectorsRegional DirectorsSchools Division SuperintendentsPublic Elementary and Secondary School HeadsAll Others Concerned Pursuant to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM)-Departrnent of Education (DepEd) Joint…

[gabotaf]

Revised Guidelines on the Grant of the Special Hardship Allowance for Teachers and School Heads

Revised Guidelines on the Grant of the Special Hardship Allowance for Teachers and School Heads

Legal Basis and Purpose The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the Department of Education (DepEd) jointly issued DBM-DEPED Joint Circular No. 1, series of 2021 to update the guidelines on the grant of Special Hardship Allowance (SHA) and ensure consistency with the provisions of the Magna Carta for Public School Teachers, as well as responsiveness to the challenges of teachers in the…

[upismediacenter]

OPINION: “UP Budget Pababa, Pababa nang Pababa”

Photo credit: Rachelle Baldelomar

Get, get, aw!

The University of the Philippines is faced with another budget cut for the Fiscal Year of 2023. The budget the University originally proposed was 44.1 billion pesos, however the budget that the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) proposed for FY 2023 is 21.8 billion pesos (Castillo-Llaneta, 2022). This shows a 2.5 billion-peso cut from last year’s budget of 25.6 billion (Domingo, 2022; Lalu, 2022), which, in itself, is already very low. What does this mean? The most noticeable effect the general public outside the university will face is a lower budget for the Philippine General Hospital, as it may spell lower quality services and facilities. Its budget has decreased from 6.305 billion pesos in 2022 to just 5.412 billion pesos in 2023. This means that around 893 million pesos has been cut from the budget of the hospital (Lalu, 2022; Diaz, 2022). Considering that PGH was the premiere COVID-19 referral hospital throughout the pandemic (Castillo-Llaneta, 2020), this is a slap in the face to the frontliners who have sacrificed their lives at the brink of the pandemic.

Another matter complicated by the budget cut is UP’s proposal to begin full face-to-face classes for all undergraduate courses by the 2nd Semester of AY 2022-2023 (UP Media and Public Relations Office, 2022). This decision requires careful planning, and a budget set aside for retrofitting of physical facilities and buildings. In the context of UPIS, the UPIS 7-12 building has been unusable this past semester, as the braille walls of the school are at risk of detaching from the building. This is already somewhat a concern even in this current setup of blended learning, as students are not able to use the appropriate facilities for activities that require other special or larger classrooms such as laboratories. Such a scarcity prevents the school from holding a higher number of face to face classes a week, as the 3-6 building can only accommodate a small number of students per day in accordance with health and safety protocols. Sure, UP only proposes full face-to-face for undergraduate courses, but UPIS will have to follow suit sooner or later. In order for UPIS to keep up with the entire university, a higher budget is required to be able to execute the necessary repairs for the 7-12 Building, as well as to provide better and safer educational experiences for students.

Such consequences beg the question - where are these budget cuts reallocated to? Why are they being put into place? According to the DBM, the on-going reconstruction projects in PGH do not need re-purchasing of one-time use capitals like machines and equipment. Hence, they deem it proper to remove the budget previously allotted for these needs. However, for years, PGH has been vying for a larger budget to broaden its projects dedicated to servicing the indigent members of the country. Thus, what the PGH needs is reallocation, not budget cuts. The DBM has also failed to consider the cost of retrofitting and preparing campuses of the state university for the gradual return of face-to-face classes. As cited in the previous paragraph, the UPIS 7-12 building has yet to undergo repairs in order for the entire building to be fit for face-to-face classes. We have not yet taken into account other projects, restorations, and repairs other campuses may propose. Moreover, the basic health protocols demanded by local government units are expected to require significant costs that may put pressure to the already slashed allocation. In the end, the budget cut not only threatens the quality of education, but it also threatens the lives of the students.

If education and healthcare is truly valued, we urge the administration to give proper funding for the institutions that serve and cater to it. This may serve as a warning for what’s to come for our education system. Let us not forget that the pandemic is not over, and transparency and accountability is paramount in times like this in order for us to be able to fully recover from our situation. //by Apollo Tumaliuan

Sources:

Castillo-Llaneta, C. (2022, August 31). UP faces a P22.295B budget cut for FY 2023. University of the Philippines. https://up.edu.ph/up-faces-a-p22-295b-budget-cut-for-fy-2023/

Domingo, K. (2022, August 31). DBM explains budget for UP, PGH in 2023 spending plan. https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/08/31/22/dbm-explains-dip-in-budget-for-up-in-2023

Lalu, G. (2022, August 22). UP system faces P2.5-B cut in proposed 2023 budget; P893-M slashed from PGH. Inquirer.net. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1651156/up-system-gets-p2-5-b-cut-in-proposed-2023-budget-p893-m-slashed-from-pgh

Diaz, C. (2022, August 26). Restore P3.4-B UP, PGH budget cut. Manila Times. https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/08/26/news/regions/restore-p34-b-up-pgh-budget-cut/1856003

Castillo-Llaneta, C. (2020, April 1). UP-PGH begins operating as COVID-19 referral center. University of the Philippines. https://up.edu.ph/up-pgh-begins-operating-as-covid-19-referral-center/

UP Media and Public Relations Office. UP to allow 100% face-to-face classes in undergraduate courses in the second semester. University of the Philippines. https://up.edu.ph/up-to-allow-100-face-to-face-classes-in-undergraduate-courses-in-the-second-semester/

[phgq]

NTF-ELCAC grants P20-M dev’t fund for 215 villages in Region 11

#PHnews: NTF-ELCAC grants P20-M dev’t fund for 215 villages in Region 11

DAVAO CITY – A total of 215 barangays in the Region 11 (Davao) will be given PHP20 million worth of funds for the Barangay Development Program (BDP) under the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

 In a press conference here on Saturday, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said of the 215 identified barangays, 82 are from this city, 65 in Davao de Oro, 32 in Davao Oriental, 23 in Davao del Norte, eight in Davao del Sur, and five in Davao Occidental.

 Under the NTF-ELCAC, BDP is the flagship program of the Duterte administration for poverty alleviation and development in the context of addressing the root causes of insurgency, he said.

 “We will fine-tune the rules of implementation and our target rollout date is on March 15 or even earlier than that,” he added.

 The identified barangays have previously been cleared of the threat and influence of the communist terrorist group (CTG) from 2016-2019 through security operations and are ready for a package of development projects contained in the BPD.

 “The concept of this program was approved in January last year as it was presented to the President and the members of his Cabinet. The fact that no less than the President himself chairs the NTF-ELCAC underscores the importance of this undertaking,” he said.

 Esperon further said the program was intended to curb the recruitment of the New People’s Army (NPA) through holistic development projects that bridge the gap between the needs of the communities and accessibility.

 “It intends to eradicate the root causes of insurgency, poverty, disease, lack of education and opportunities, and finally, social injustice. Allow me to reassure the public that the barangay recipients of the programs under the BDP were consulted and vetted through our stringent measures,” Esperon added.

 The barangay recipients will spend the PHP20 million fund through the following programs and activities: farm to market roads by the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Department of Public Works and Highways -- PHP12 million; school buildings by the Department of Education -- PHP3 million; water and sanitation systems by Department of the Interior and Local Government --PHP2 million; and reforestation and national greening program of Department of Environment and Natural Resources and for health stations by the Department of Health -- PHP1.5 million each.

 “It shall be implemented by the regional offices in coordination with the local chief executives. It will demonstrate a collaborative effort between various stakeholders both the national and local level,” he added.

 Meanwhile, Budget Secretary Wendel Avisado said the budget will be downloaded to the barangays as soon as his office receives the complete documents with the requirements.

 “President Duterte ordered me to fast-track the release of the fund so that the barangays can start implementing the projects,” he said.

 Davao Oriental Governor Nelson Dayanghirang said they will adhere to the guidelines of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on the utilization of the fund.

 “There will be barangay consultations as to what are their priority projects based on the guidelines given by DBM for the utilization of PHP20 million. We will make sure to prioritize what the community needs because we are focusing to address the insurgency problems,” Dayanghirang added. (PNA)

  ***

References:

* Philippine News Agency. "NTF-ELCAC grants P20-M dev’t fund for 215 villages in Region 11." Philippine News Agency. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1128387 (accessed January 25, 2021 at 12:58AM UTC+14).

* Philippine News Agency. "NTF-ELCAC grants P20-M dev’t fund for 215 villages in Region 11." Archive Today. https://archive.ph/?run=1&url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1128387 (archived).

[thxnews]

Over P3 Billion Approved for School Repairs

Introduction to the Funding Approval

In a move set to significantly improve the state of education facilities across the Philippines, Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Mina F. Pangandaman has approved the release of over P3 billion for the repair and rehabilitation of school buildings, marking a crucial step towards enhancing the quality of education in the country.  

Details of the SARO Release

Investing in Quality Education Infrastructure Sec. Pangandaman authorized a Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) amounting to P3.049 billion. This funding is earmarked for the urgent repair and rehabilitation of elementary and secondary school buildings. The initial release of P1.861 billion from the total authorized appropriations of P4.911 billion will specifically target the rehabilitation, renovation, repair, and improvement of various educational facilities.  

President Marcos Jr.'s Commitment to Education

Vision for a Globally Competitive Education System President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has firmly pledged his commitment to investing in the country’s education infrastructure. Furthermore, his administration is dedicated to elevating the Philippine education system to meet global standards, thereby ensuring that students nationwide have access to decent and comfortable facilities conducive to effective learning.  

Nationwide Scope of School Improvements

Equitable Education Facilities Across Regions Sec. Pangandaman emphasized the government's directive to provide high-quality educational facilities to students in both urban and remote areas. This national initiative underlines the importance of equitable access to education and the government's dedication to ensuring that every Filipino student benefits from improved learning environments.  

Collaboration Between Departments

Ensuring Efficient Allocation and Utilization of Funds The Department of Education initiated the request for the SARO, and subsequently, the Department of Public Works and Highways will take charge of administering it under the 2023 General Appropriations Act. Importantly, this collaboration between the two government departments ensures not only efficient but also effective utilization of the allocated funds, specifically aimed at upgrading educational facilities nationwide.  

Conclusion

The approval of over P3 billion by DBM Secretary Pangandaman for school building repairs and rehabilitation represents a significant investment in the future of Philippine education. By focusing on enhancing educational infrastructure, the government demonstrates its unwavering commitment to providing quality education and fostering a conducive learning environment for all Filipino students.   Sources: THX News & Department of Budget and Management. Read the full article