SPEAKER Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III on Wednesday sharply called out the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) over delays in fund releases, warning that slow disbursement renders even approved budgets meaningless and delays urgently needed services for Filipinos.
In his closing speech before the House adjourned for the Lenten break, Dy urged the DBM to move faster and ensure timely implementation of government programs.
“Kaya naman po sa mga kaibigan natin sa DBM, ayusin ninyo naman ang inyong trabaho. Bilis-bilisan ninyo naman ang inyong mga pagkilos,” the Speaker said.
“Gawin ninyo naman ang inyong mga tungkulin para maging maayos at maipatupad na ang mga programang sasagot sa kasalukuyang pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan sa iba’t ibang mga rehiyon.”
He warned that delays ultimately hurt the public, especially those waiting for government assistance.
“Huwag ninyong sayangin ang oras at huwag na huwag nating paghintayin ang taumbayan,” he said.
“‘Ika nga, aanhin mo pa ang damo kung patay na ang kabayo? Ang serbisyo ay may halaga at mararamdaman lamang kung ito’y naipararating sa tamang oras.”
Dy said Congress has done its part by passing laws and allocating funds for priority programs.
“It is clear that through collective efforts, the members of this chamber are ready and willing to pass the laws and provide the funds for the programs necessary to address the needs of our countrymen,” he said.
But he stressed that legislation and funding are meaningless without timely implementation.
“Ngunit upang maging ganap na epektibo ang mga hangaring ito, kinakailangan nating tiyakin na ang mga pondong inilaan ng Kongreso ay makarating sa mga mamamayan nang maagap,” he said.
He added that delays negate the value of both laws and public service.
“Dahil ang batas na hindi naipapatupad ay nananatiling isang papel na walang halaga at ang serbisyo na hindi nakakarating sa tao ay huwad na paglilingkod,” he said.
“Kahit po maganda ang naipasang budget, it will mean nothing if the resources for the people do not reach them on time,” he added.
Dy explained that his remarks were meant to push for better coordination within government.
“Umaapela kami sa inyo hindi bilang kritiko kundi bilang katuwang ninyo sa mabilis at agarang pagtugon sa pangangailangan ng taumbayan,” he said.
