This photo, taken Jan. 3, 2017, Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno holds a press briefing in Malacañang. (Photo by TOTO LOZANO / Presidential Photographers Division)
National government spending has jumped by 28.2 percent in October in what is seen as the highest growth recorded for 2017, according to the Department of Budget Management (DBM).
“The significant growth in government disbursements for the month of October is encouraging news in view of our expansionary fiscal policy,” Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno said in a statement on Wednesday.
“The DBM, in coordination with the implementing agencies, will continue to monitor and improve spending performance,” Diokno said.
Government spending in October reached P226.9 billion, bringing cumulative disbursements from January to October at P2.241 trillion, or a 10 percent increase year-on-year, according to the DBM.
The DBM said that capital expenditures, which includes infrastructure spending and other capital outlays, amounted to P60.6 billion in October for a 10.4-percent year-on-year increase.
“The boost in infrastructure spending was primarily due to the public works projects of the DPWH such as road construction and flood control rehabilitation or improvements,” it noted.
“The acquisition of transport and other equipment of the DILG-PNP under its Capability Enhancement Program, as well as the payment for various communication, navigational and air traffic management system projects, and civil works for the LRT Lines 1 and 2 extension projects of the DOTr also contributed to the higher infrastructure and other capital spending,” the DBM said.
The DBM also noted that current operating expenditures went up by 35.2 percent, or P164.1 billion in October.
This was led by the 111-percent growth in maintenance and other operating expenditures (MOOE), notably by cash assistances under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), social pension and other assistance programs for the victims of natural disasters, according to the DBM.
Expenses for relief works and social welfare operations in Marawi also boosted the government’s operational expenses, the DBM said.
Moreover, higher compensation for civilian personnel and increased allowances for military personnel led to an increase for Personnel Services expenditures by 8.8-percent or P60 billion, according to the department. /atm