The Department of Budget and Management has identified P238 billion in funding to support the government's response to the ongoing global oil crisis, under President Marcos's directive. DBM Secretary Rolando Toledo shared this during a House committee on ways and means hearing on April 8. It comes alongside a mandated 20 percent cut in non-essential government spending.
DBM Secretary Rolando Toledo told the House committee on ways and means on April 8 that P238 billion is available from the 2026 General Appropriations Act, continuing appropriations, and automatic appropriations.
"As far as our response to this crisis is concerned, we have around P238 billion from available appropriations – from the 2026 GAA, and both automatic and continuing appropriations," he said. The government's priority is directing every peso to the most affected sectors.
Key interventions include P2.5 billion in fuel subsidies for transport operators and P1 billion more for service contracting. Support extends to farmers and fisherfolk via the Department of Agriculture, repatriation by the Department of Migrant Workers, and the Department of Labor and Employment's TUPAD program.
To free up more funds, the DBM mandates a 20 percent cut in non-essential Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses across agencies. This covers limiting official travel, maximizing virtual engagements, energy conservation, and streamlining operations.
Expected savings range from P12.8 billion to P25.6 billion from March to December 2026. Toledo assured that essential services like education, health, and social protection are fully protected.
"The instruction of President Marcos is to protect the Filipino people first. Even as we tighten spending, we will ensure that critical services remain uninterrupted and that assistance reaches those who need it most," he added. The DBM is coordinating closely with agencies for timely aid delivery.
