Lawmakers question DBM on P45B booster shot budget

Lawmakers asked the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Thursday why P45 billion earmarked for COVID-19 vaccine booster shots was placed in unprogrammed appropriations, raising concerns about potential revenue shortfalls.

Marikina 2nd District Representative Stella Quimbo questioned whether the government could face 'less than expected revenue collections', which would affect the P45-billion budget for booster shots and other unprogrammed funds totaling P151 billion.

DBM officer-in-charge Tina Rose Canda acknowledged that if revenue targets are not met, these unprogrammed funds, including those for vaccine boosters, could be impacted.