DBM seeks P23B supplemental budget for Yolanda, APEC projects

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Budget and Management is seeking a P23.34-billion ($516.9 million*) supplemental budget from Congress for its key development initiatives, including Yolanda (Haiyan) rehabilitation projects and preparations for the 2015 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit.

Budget Secretary Florencio Abad said the National Treasury has certified the availability of funds to support the projects, but such appropriations must be supported by legislation, as provided by the law.

“With the proposed 2015 National Budget already subject to Senate deliberations, we need the support of the House of Representatives to pass a supplemental appropriations bill to fund these projects,” Abad said.

Of theP23.34 billion, P16.4 billion ($363.26 million) has been allotted for “new priority initiatives” – P9.5 billion ($210.4 million) for the government’s reconstruction and rehabilitation in areas hit by Super Typhoon Yolanda, and P1.44 billion ($31.9 million) for key projects for the APEC Summit, hosted by the Philippines next year.

The supplemental budget will also cover liabilities arising from P1.85 billion ($40.98 million) in obligated infrastructure projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

A total of P5.08 billion ($112.5 million) will be allotted to priority projects of various government agencies that were partially implemented or previously approved for implementation this year.

“Most of these projects have already been completed, are on-going, or are urgently needed to sustain our socio-economic development. The passage of the proposed supplemental budget will allow us to allocate funds accordingly so we can complete these projects right away,” Abad said.

If approved by Congress, the 2014 Supplemental Appropriations will fund a number of priority projects, ranging from the rehabilitation of LRT lines 1 and 2, to the construction of permanent housing for Yolanda victims. – Rappler.com