DBM in talks with govt agencies for 2012 budget

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has started discussions with various departments and government agencies for their proposed budget in 2012. “We want each and every agency to scale up their spending on programs, activities, and projects in line with the Social Contract and Philippine Development Plan, and to scale down those which are unaligned," Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch" Abad said. Abad said a limited absorptive capacity, as well as implementation concerns, has hampered the Philippines from achieving its development targets. “So we will not only be deliberating on budgetary amounts but also physical or procedural issues," Abad added. Abad said the discussions will determine whether certain programs and projects belong to priority sectors, and if expenditures are justified. “These should be supported with policy papers and management measures to ensure efficient and effective implementation of the expanded or new programs and projects," he said. On the other hand, projects deemed as irrelevant will have to be downscaled, according to Budget secretary. In mid-April, the DBM had released half the year’s budget to boost the economy. — PE/VS, GMA News