The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has identified ₱238 billion in available funds that may be tapped to mitigate the economic strain caused by escalating fuel prices.
During a Legislative Energy Action Development (LEAD) Council hearing on Wednesday, Acting Budget Secretary Rolando Toledo revealed that the amount is sourced from existing allocations under the 2026 national budget, as well as continuing appropriations.
Toledo underscored the administration’s commitment under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to respond promptly to the situation, while maintaining strict fiscal responsibility.
“We have to be prudent. The assistance must be targeted to those who are most vulnerable,” he said.
According to Toledo, the government has already released ₱2.5 billion in transportation assistance and earmarked an additional ₱1 billion for service contracting to sustain public transport operations.
Financial support is likewise being distributed through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program. Meanwhile, aid for returning overseas Filipino workers is being provided by the Department of Migrant Workers and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.
For the agriculture and fisheries sectors, ₱10 billion has been disbursed to help farmers and fisherfolk cope with rising production costs.
The DBM emphasized that the mobilization of these funds will be carefully managed to ensure immediate relief efforts are balanced with the country’s long-term fiscal stability.