(DC file photo)
MANILA – Government employees may soon receive salary and benefit deficiencies faster after the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) removed the requirement for agencies to submit a separate funding request for covered personnel expenses.
Under DBM Circular Letter No. 2026-10, signed by acting Secretary Kim Robert de Leon on Sept. 30, the department may determine funding shortfalls using personnel and financial records that agencies already regularly submit.
Instead of waiting for another request, DBM will review updated plantilla records and financial reports, identify any funding gaps, and facilitate the release of the needed amount.
“Hindi na kailangan pang i-request. Kailangan lang i-update ng ahensya ‘yung master list na tinatawag namin ang kanilang plantilla positions,” de Leon said.
He added that once DBM sees a shortfall, the department can release the necessary funds even without a formal request from the agency.
The policy applies to national government agencies with permanent civilian positions recorded in DBM’s online personnel system.
Covered expenses include salaries and step increments, Personnel Economic Relief Allowance, uniform and clothing allowance, mid-year and year-end bonuses, cash gift, medical allowance, Productivity Enhancement Incentive, representation and transportation allowances, as well as government contributions to PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG Fund, Employees Compensation and retirement insurance.
Agencies are required to update their plantilla records during the last week of every month. DBM will use these records together with financial reports to assess whether additional funding is needed.
The streamlined process will not cover funding requirements arising from hiring, promotion, reclassification and other personnel actions made after Sept. 30, 2026. These will still require a separate request for DBM review.
The department said the new policy is intended to reduce paperwork and speed up the release of funds for personnel-related deficiencies.
