Manila: The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has settled with the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) the funding issue for the implementation of the drug rehabilitation projects.
In a statement on Tuesday, the DBM said it met with the DDB on Sept. 27 to discuss concerns on the supposed partial release of funds used for the agency’s rehabilitation programs.
‘The Department of Budget and Management and the Dangerous Drugs Board reaffirm the commitment to actively collaborate, resolve issues and guarantee the continuing implementation of the enhanced Philippine Anti-Illegal Drugs Strategy by putting premium to the expansion and sustainability of drug treatment, rehabilitation, reintegration and aftercare programs across the country,’ the DBM said.
‘In view of this, the DBM met with the DDB to clarify concerns regarding fund releases and the utilization of collections under the Special Account on the General Fund (SAGF),’ it added.
The DBM said the DDB committed to submitting all required budget proposals a
nd documentation such as financial plans, monthly disbursement programs, and revenue collection reports ‘in a timely manner’ to ensure that funding requests are properly included in the National Expenditure Program (NEP).
The DBM said it could expedite future fund releases if the DDB fulfills its promise.
This, as it stressed that funds for the DDB’s rehabilitation programs had been transmitted in line with actual revenue collections.
‘In recent years, the DBM has provided additional funding beyond the programmed expenditure, releasing PHP99.43 million in 2020, PHP90 million in 2021, and PHP77.8 million in 2022 -demonstrating its assistance for the DDB’s role on drug abuse prevention and control,’ the DBM said.
The DBM said the DDB in December 2023 requested for an additional PHP15 million but the budget was recommended to be included in fiscal year 2024 ‘due to procedural prerequisites and time constraints.’
The DBM said it will continue its regular coordination with the DDB to maintain transparency and
accountability in the management of government resources, as the current administration intensifies its efforts in addressing the drug problems in the country.
‘Both agencies are confident that this renewed collaboration will strengthen the country’s drug rehabilitation programs, benefiting communities nationwide,’ it said.
‘This partnership has allowed the DDB to continue implementing key initiatives in accordance with its drug abuse prevention and control agenda. The agency also reaffirms its commitment to maintain transparency and compliance in its financial processes to guarantee effective and efficient fiscal management.’
During the Senate Committee on Finance hearing on Sept. 16, Senator Ronald dela Rosa urged the DBM to release in full the nearly PHP127-million fund to the DDB for the establishment and maintenance of treatment and rehabilitation facilities nationwide.
Dela Rosa made the call, after DDB Undersecretary Earl Saaveda told him during the hearing that the agency was supposed to access PH
P126.9 million from the 2023 revenue collections for its rehabilitation programs, but only received PHP77 million which was approved by the DBM.
The DBM on Sept. 19 said the DDB did not make a request to increase its budget for the implementation of its rehabilitation projects.
Source: Philippines News Agency
