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The Department of Transportation disbursed P43 billion in the first half for priority transport infrastructure projects
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Disbursements represented 56% of existing obligations/contracts, in line with DOTr’s monthly disbursement program
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P14 billion was used in the first quarter and P29 billion in the second quarter
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Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno earlier flagged the DOTr as among infrastructure agencies that slowed down on spending
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) disbursed more than P43 billion for various priority transport infrastructure projects in the first half of the year.
Preliminary data shows the disbursements represented 56% of existing obligations/contracts, in line with the department’s monthly disbursement program, DOTr said in a statement.
Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno earlier flagged the DOTr as among infrastructure agencies that slowed down on spending.
Of DOTr’s total first-semester disbursement, P14 billion was used in the first quarter and P29 billion in the second quarter, according to the latest Notice of Cash Allocation (NCA) utilization report published by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).
Unused cash allocated for projects not yet disbursed stood at P1.3 billion as of June 30, DOTr said.
NCA is the cash authority issued by the DBM to central, regional and provincial offices and operating units through the authorized government servicing banks of the modified disbursement scheme, to cover the cash requirements of the agencies.
The P43-billion disbursement placed DOTr among the top seven agencies in terms of government disbursements alongside Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Education, Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of National Defense, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and Department of Health.
DOTr noted that, in June, the Bureau of the Treasury cited the department for its significant disbursements, which translated to completion of important segments of priority projects such as the North South Commuter Railway System, Metro Manila Subway Project, and various airport and seaport projects.
“The DOTr commits to further streamline its processes, work closely with other government agencies and contractors to ensure timely completion of portions of projects scheduled this year,” Transport Secretary Jaime Bautista said.
DOTr said further disbursements are expected in the second semester due to the anticipated award of remaining segments of railways projects, as well as other transport infrastructure projects.
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