PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to release P21.47 billion to sustain infrastructure projects, protect jobs and cushion Filipinos from the impact of global shocks triggered by the war in the Middle East. In a statement on Thursday, Budget Secretary Rolando Toledo said the DBM sped up the fund release to ensure that critical government services and public works continue uninterrupted — especially as higher oil prices threaten transport costs and household budgets. “Every peso we release is meant to ease a burden, sustain a livelihood or keep a service running for our people — especially at a time when global events beyond our control are affecting daily life here at home,” Toledo said. “At a time when global headwinds are pushing fuel prices up, it is critical that we step in where it matters most — supporting our drivers, protecting commuters and ensuring that no Filipino is left to carry these challenges alone,” he added. Of the total, P2.49 billion was allocated to the Department of Transportation for the Fuel Subsidy Program, providing direct relief to drivers and operators grappling with rising fuel costs. Toledo said the government’s intervention was designed to protect livelihoods and ensure that the burden of global price hikes did not fall solely on the transport sector. Meanwhile, P18.65 billion was released to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to sustain infrastructure projects nationwide, ensuring continued employment, safer roads and unhampered economic activity. An additional P324.36 million was released to the DPWH to settle prior obligations for foreign-assisted infrastructure projects, ensuring their timely completion. The DBM assured the public that all fund releases were subject to strict budgeting, accounting and auditing safeguards — ensuring that assistance reaches the right beneficiaries while protecting every peso of public funds.