DBM denies allegations of restored 'kickback system'

MANILA —The allegation that at least P100 billion worth of payables have restored the so-called kickback system is mere speculation, the Department of Budget and Management said Tuesday.

Rep. Rolando Andaya (Camarines Sur) earlier claimed that the practice of bribery has returned in the DBM and the Department of Public Works and Highways.

The DBM clarified that the original budget approved for the DPWH in 2019 was P480.2 billion but P75.5 billion was added, making a total of P555.7 billion for the infrastructure spending target of the Development Budget Coordinating Committee.

"No less than DPWH undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral admitted this as being part of the budget preparation process on the February 8, Friday hearing of the House Committee on Appropriations," the DBM said.

The Budget department stressed that it only releases spending authority and notice of cash allocations but implementing agencies are in charge of engaging with contractors.

The agency also pointed out that it has released a memo reminding all departments, particularly top spending agencies, to be more prudent in planning ahead their monthly disbursement.

"With regard to the cash requirements of the DPWH to respond to claims and billings of contracts, the DBM has already released funds to cover its full-year cash requirements, including payments for due and demandable obligations in fiscal year 2018," it said.