In a decisive move to shield Filipino families from the volatility of global fuel prices, Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Rolando “Rolly” U. Toledo announced that the government is set to generate between Php 12.8 billion and Php 25.6 billion in savings through enhanced efficiency measures. These funds are earmarked for redirection toward targeted subsidies for the nation’s most affected sectors.
Speaking before the House Committee on Ways and Means recently, Secretary Toledo emphasized that fiscal discipline is the key to immediate public relief.
“Every peso saved today can mean timely relief for Filipino families tomorrow,” Secretary Toledo stated. “Hindi ito basta pagtitipid. Ito ay pagsisiguro na ang bawat matitipid ng gobyerno ay maibabalik sa mamamayan—lalo na sa mga pinaka-apektado.” (This is not just about saving; it is about ensuring that every peso the government saves is returned to the people—especially those most affected.)
Under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the DBM has already mobilized Php 238 billion to cushion the impact of the global energy crisis. However, citing continued geopolitical uncertainty in the Middle East, Secretary Toledo noted that the agency is proactively identifying additional “fiscal space” to maintain a responsive government stance.
To realize these savings, the DBM has mandated a minimum 20% reduction in non-essential Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) across all government agencies. This austerity drive includes:
Travel Restrictions: Limiting non-essential official travel.
Energy Conservation: Implementing stricter electricity and fuel consumption protocols.
Operational Streamlining: Reducing day-to-day costs related to office utilities and supplies.
Secretary Toledo assured the public that these cuts are surgical and will not affect the delivery of frontline services. Education, healthcare, and social protection programs remain fully protected and exempt from these reductions.
Demonstrating a whole-of-government approach, Secretary Toledo also welcomed a proposal from Committee on Appropriations Chairperson Mikaela Angela B. Suansing to jointly identify further funding for the agricultural sector. This follows the recent release of Php 10 billion to the Department of Agriculture for the Presidential Assistance to Farmers and Fisherfolk.
The hearing was attended by high-ranking officials, including House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III and DBM Assistant Secretary Andrea Celene M. Magtalas, signaling strong legislative-executive alignment in navigating the current economic challenges.
The DBM remains committed to the core objective: ensuring that amid global uncertainty, no Filipino family is left to face the burden of rising costs alone.
