DBM taps agency savings to fund energy crisis relief

The government is ordering its agencies to surrender unspent funds from last year's budget to bankroll a multi-sectoral relief package, as the Marcos administration scrambles to address the deepening energy crisis.

- By DERCO ROSAL

Budget Secretary Rolando U. Toledo issued National Budget Circular No. 603-2026 on May 4, mandating a sweeping review of all remaining 2025 appropriations.

The DBM directive aims to consolidate capital for the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT), a program designed to cushion the economy against volatile power costs and supply instability.