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DBM to push for PBBM's priority legislative agenda

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos

January 24, 2023, 4:03 pm

MANILA – The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Tuesday promised to go full blast in pushing the Marcos administration's legislative agenda.

In a statement, the DBM said it will work closely with Congress to ensure the passage of the government's priority measures this year.

This, as Congress resumed its session on Monday.

"Among the legislative reforms are the Progressive Budgeting for Better and Modernized (PBBM) Governance Bill, Budget and Treasury Management System (BTMS), National Government Rightsizing Program (NGRP), and Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF)," the DBM said.

The PBBM Governance bill seeks the institutionalization of the cash-based budgeting system, which was adopted by virtue of Executive Order 91 signed in 2019, to strengthen fiscal discipline in the allocation and use of budget resources.

The measure also aims to ensure the actual delivery of the government's programs and projects.

The proposed BTMS, on the other hand, is a key digitalization measure that seeks improvement in the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System.

The BTMS, as a central database, will enable real-time mapping of transactions from purchase to payment.

The other priority measure of the Marcos administration is the bill seeking the implementation of NGRP, a reform mechanism that will upgrade the government’s institutional capacity to perform its mandate and provide better services while ensuring optimal and efficient use of resources.

The rightsizing efforts will involve the comprehensive strategic review of functions, programs and projects that will cut across various agencies.

The government is also pushing for the establishment of the country's first-ever MIF, an independent fund that adheres to the principles of good governance, transparency and accountability.

The proposed wealth fund will be sourced from investible funds of select government financial institutions, contributions of the national government, declared dividends of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, and other sources.

The DBM said the proposed MIF, as affirmed by the country’s economic managers, "can be a powerful instrument to promote economic growth and advance social development."

"This can also aid in accelerating the implementation of the government’s key infrastructure and big-ticket projects that support the Philippine Development Plan," it said.

DBM Secretary Amenahh Pangandaman said the legislative reforms agenda of the government will help promote "transparency, efficiency and responsiveness" in public service.

“President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. articulated in his budget message that his vision is a lean, efficient and responsive government workforce," Pangandaman said.

"We can achieve this with the strong support of our hardworking legislators who also seek a well-functioning government that ensures swift and responsive public service delivery,” she added. (PNA)

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