Solons say cash flow, not politics, behind fund delays

Cash-flow constraints and the government’s need to prioritize spending, rather than political retaliation against lawmakers, are behind delays in the release of funds for some infrastructure and social assistance programs, according to House members.

Quezon 1st District Rep. Wilfrido Mark Enverga and Ilocos Sur 2nd District Rep. Kristine Singson-Meehan of the Nationalist People’s Coalition said last week that delayed releases have affected lawmakers across political lines.

Their statements came after the National Unity Party raised “serious concerns” over alleged withholding of infrastructure projects and social assistance programs such as the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) and Medical Assistance for Indigent Patients (MAIP) in certain districts.

Enverga said some 2025 and 2026 projects remain unreleased, which he attributed to cash-management concerns and government collections.

“Talking of 2025, 2026 may delay pa, ang dami pang unreleased na mga projects for all, as I’ve also discussed with some other members, not only from our party, maraming nade-delay pa. That was the guidance, na may cash issues pa. Saka siguro ‘yung collections. It could be that. But of course that’s the executive. Sila naman ang familiar with that. It’s the DBM who would know better sa cash management position ng executive,” Enverga said.

Singson-Meehan also pointed to the government’s response to the fuel crisis, saying subsidies were prioritized and other releases were consequently delayed.

“Plus, there was the fuel crisis na they prioritize lang, ‘yung subsidies. So pinriority ‘yun. So whatever that’s usually being put down to everywhere, na-hold lang, kasi they prioritize, which everyone agreed na mauna ‘yung mga ’yun,” she said.

Both lawmakers rejected the idea that delayed releases were connected to how House members voted on major measures, including the impeachment proceedings involving Vice President Sara Duterte.

Enverga said he had spoken with lawmakers perceived as being outside the majority’s preferred position and was told that funds had still been released for their districts.

“May mga nakakausap kasi ako na, ‘yung mga hindi supposedly sumusunod. I asked them kung may release sila, mayroon naman silang releases, and you can check siguro, di ba? As far as infrastructure projects are concerned, ang alam ko, may nare-release naman for all,” he said.

He added that lawmakers who abstained or voted against the impeachment also reported receiving releases.

“Especially those ‘yung mga who abstained or did not vote, may release sila eh, as far as I’ve spoken to them… Alam ko may dumarating pa. May iba kaka-release lang daw, even despite not voting for the impeachment,” Enverga added.

Singson-Meehan said delays appeared to be affecting districts regardless of how their representatives voted.

“I think it’s in general. Some are just taking time. Even ‘yung mga nag-yes actually, nagfa-follow up sila sa amin for those that said yes during that big issue about the impeachment voting. Parang it’s all the same. If something is not being implemented, or something is being implemented, it’s for all, it’s happening in all districts… We don’t see a pattern kasi,” she said.

House Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan also said he had heard reports of delayed releases but attributed them to possible cash-flow constraints rather than political considerations.

“May naririnig akong ganoon, pero ang tingin ko rito… Kung kulang ng cash, medyo may delay ’yan. Pero ang importante, habang gumagastos tayo, nangongolekta pa ang gobyerno sa taxes. ‘Pag mahirap ang cash flow, humihiram pa, umuutang pa, talagang may delay. Pero ang duration naman ng appropriation is two years,” Libanan said.

The statements come amid competing claims over whether delays in government fund releases reflect ordinary budget and cash-management issues or a political dispute over the actions of individual House members.