DBM clarifies unprogrammed appropriations are not secret funds

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has clarified that unprogrammed appropriations are not "secret funds" but rather standby allocations authorized by Congress.

Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman explained that these funds can only be accessed through excess revenues, new revenue measures, or approved loan agreements.

She cited the release of an additional P5 million to fund the Department of Social Welfare and Development's Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations program, charged against the 2025 national budget, as an example of their use for social and humanitarian emergencies.

Pangandaman emphasized that unprogrammed appropriations are crucial for rapid disaster response and serve as fiscal buffers, allowing the government to address unforeseen needs or urgent priorities without disrupting the approved budget.

The DBM's clarification comes amid accusations that unprogrammed allocations are used for budgetary insertions for kickbacks, with Senator Joel Villanueva named as one of the lawmakers allegedly involved.