DOF PLANS P1.4-B SPENDING IN Q1 TO BOOST ECONOMIC RECOVERY

The government plans to spend P1.4 billion in the first quarter of 2026 to support economic recovery, Department of Finance Secretary Frederick Go said.

The funds, considered primary spending, exclude payments for government liabilities and will be released in coordination with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

The plan involves the country’s five largest spending agencies, including education, health, public works, transportation, and agriculture.

Acting DBM Secretary Rolando Toledo said infrastructure outlays for 2026 will total P1.3 trillion, with a revised spending target of 4.3 percent of GDP, while prioritizing high-impact projects like school buildings and disaster-resilient infrastructure.

Officials aim to sustain economic momentum, maintain a fiscal deficit of 4.3 percent of GDP by 2028, and keep debt levels at 58 percent of GDP amid slower growth in 2025 and global uncertainties.

Source: PhilNews24 | February 2, 2026