MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Erwin Tulfo on Monday warned government agencies seeking higher allocations for 2027 to justify their requests and demonstrate that they can effectively use their existing funds, saying agencies with substantial unspent appropriations could face budget cuts.
Tulfo issued the statement as the Senate Finance Subcommittee “H” began deliberations on the proposed 2027 budgets of the Civil Service Commission (CSC), Department of Tourism (DOT), their attached agencies and the Career Executive Service Board.
“It's not just you who are asking for an increase in your budget. Almost all the agencies that come before us are asking for additional funding. We just need a clear explanation why,” Tulfo said in his opening remarks.
“You have to convince this committee why you should be given that kind of budget,” he added.
Tulfo said agencies seeking additional funds must explain the need, identify the beneficiaries and set clear, measurable targets for 2027.
“We also need to understand your capacity to implement these proposals. Do you have sufficient personnel, systems and mechanisms to actually deliver what is being proposed?” he said.
“Budgets must be matched by realistic targets, not dreams,” Tulfo added.
The senator also questioned agencies seeking more funds while still holding unused or undisbursed appropriations.
“Why are you still holding on to these funds? Why are you asking for additional budget? Why not give it instead to other agencies that need it?” he said.
With only three months left in the year, Tulfo said agencies that have spent only about half of their appropriations could be facing problems with disbursement.
“If your budget is still only half spent, we have only three months to go. You have a problem with your disbursement,” Tulfo said.
“That means you may have been given more than you needed, so don't be surprised if your budget is reduced because you were not able to spend it last year,” he added.
