MANILA — To lessen the possible economic impact of the rising bloodshed in the Middle East, the Department of the Interior and Local Government will instruct its affiliated agencies and local government entities to reduce spending.

After President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s decision to implement cost-cutting measures, Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla stated that the command applies not only to his department but to all Cabinet members.

He made it clear that the department’s wasteful spending would be the focus of the cost-cutting initiatives rather than work-from-home options. He stated that “adjustments for everyone” would be made.

The department will also improve its procurement and inventory procedures, according to Remulla.

All of the department’s offices, including his own, will be subject to the cost-cutting mandate.

He mentioned the modifications made to the annual Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) award ceremony as an example.

According to Remulla, the recognition program is now held once every three years rather than once a year.

He pointed out that maintenance and other operational expenses (MOOE) account for the majority of the department’s budget, making it the key area where savings can be made.

Details about how much the government could save from the austerity measures are anticipated to be released by the DILG.

In the meantime, the Department of Transportation stated that it plans to release fuel subsidies for transportation sector beneficiaries by mid-April, or roughly one month from now.

Giovanni Lopez, the acting secretary of transportation, stated that the department must complete all the paperwork required for the aid.

“Kapag hindi nagbago ang sitwasyon, ako po no, we’re targeting na mid-April baka makapagsimula na po kami.” In an ambush interview with reporters on Thursday, March 5, before Marcos Jr. saw the newly constructed Kamuning footbridge and renovated Kamuning busway station, Lopez stated, “On the premise na tapos na po namin lahat ng mga documentation.”

Lopez stated that after everything was finalized, they would request the Department of Energy’s certification and the Department of Budget and Management’s Notice of Cash Allocation.

The head of DOTr stated that the fuel subsidy may be funded with P2.5 billion from the 2025 ongoing budget.

When asked if raising fares would be another way to lessen the growing costs of petroleum goods, Lopez responded that it would require careful research.