GOVERNMENT agencies have been ordered to identify and redirect unused funds from the 2025 national budget to help finance the government’s energy emergency initiatives.
In National Budget Circular 603, Budget Secretary Rolando Toledo directed all government departments, bureaus, offices and instrumentalities, including state universities and colleges, and state-owned firms, to use unobligated allotments and continuing appropriations to support priority interventions.
“[U]nobligated allotments under the FY 2025 GAA (General Appropriations Act) that will no longer be used may be tapped as additional funding source subject to compliance,” he said.
Agencies were instructed to conduct a thorough review of their budgets and identify funds that can be realigned. These include continuing appropriations from prior fiscal years that remain valid for obligation.
Toledo said the measure was intended to maximize the use of existing resources and promote fiscal discipline while allowing the government to respond swiftly to the energy emergency.
Agencies were likewise directed to intensify the implementation of cost-saving measures, including the deferment of nonessential expenditures, rationalization of maintenance and operating expenses, and prioritization of high-impact programs.
The circular also reiterated the need to ensure that the realignment of funds would not disrupt the delivery of essential services or the implementation of critical projects.
The Department of Budget and Management said the move was aligned with the broader fiscal strategy of maintaining a sustainable deficit while addressing emerging risks to economic stability.
Toledo said they would be closely monitoring compliance with the directive and require agencies to submit reports on the amounts identified and realigned for energy emergency programs.
