The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Tuesday denied allegations that it was delaying the release of funds for infrastructure projects, stressing that all disbursements strictly follow the provisions of the 2026 national budget.
The clarification came after some lawmakers raised concerns over supposed delays in allocations for locally funded projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
“First, the DBM does not arbitrarily delay the release of funds, nor does it create policies outside the law,” the agency said.
“All budget releases are governed strictly by the 2026 General Appropriations Act—a law passed by Congress itself and approved by the President.”
The DBM explained that certain projects underwent revisions during the legislative process through “Congress Introduced Changes and Adjustments,” which modified details such as project descriptions, station limits, or geographic coordinates from the original proposals under the National Expenditure Program.
Because of these adjustments, the agency noted that additional verification and clearance are required before funds can be released.
These projects were categorized as “For Issuance of Special Allotment Release Order,” meaning implementing agencies must first submit the necessary documentation and prioritization requests.
“The DBM does not delay projects. It only ensures that public funds are released lawfully and in accordance with the budget approved by Congress and signed by the President,” the statement read.
The department emphasized that fund releases ultimately depend on formal requests from implementing agencies, reiterating its mandate to ensure that all disbursements comply with existing laws and approved budget allocations.