By Wilnard Bacelonia
MANILA – The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Thursday disclosed an estimated PHP27.2-billion funding requirement for performance-based bonuses (PBB) of qualified government employees in the final quarter of 2026.
During the Senate Committee on Finance hearing on the proposed 2027 national budget, DBM Acting Secretary Kim Robert de Leon said the amount would be covered by the Miscellaneous Personnel Benefits Fund (MPBF), which had an available balance of PHP53.2 billion as of Sept. 30.
“This will cover the payment of performance-based bonus for eligible government employees,” De Leon told the committee chaired by Sen. JV Ejercito.
He said another PHP12.86 billion is expected to be released during the same period to cover personnel services deficiencies, bringing the combined estimated requirements to about PHP40 billion.
The DBM reported that PHP23.85 billion had already been released from the MPBF during the first nine months of 2026.
The latest disclosure comes as government agencies process the fiscal year 2024 PBB following its approval by the Office of the President in July.
The DBM earlier announced that qualified employees could begin receiving their bonuses between October and December, subject to agency performance assessments and compliance with documentary requirements.
The incentive is based on government agencies’ achievement of performance targets, financial management standards, process improvements and public service delivery.
The department has also committed to expediting PBB processing for qualified public school teachers and other government personnel upon submission of the required eligibility documents.
Meanwhile, De Leon said the proposed 2027 national budget includes PHP55.87 billion for the MPBF to cover future performance bonuses, personnel services deficiencies, filling of vacant positions and other employee benefits.
He said the fund’s purposes have been consolidated to simplify budget execution and avoid delays caused by the need to modify allocations when individual funding components are depleted. (PNA)
