GOV’T UNDERSPENDING DURING 1ST HALF OF 2023: Sen. Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada seeks clarification from economic managers during the continuation of the Committee on Finance’s meeting with the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) Wednesday, August 16, 2023, regarding the underspending by the national government during the first half of 2023. Estrada pointed out that based on the Cash Operation Report, the government spent below the P2.5 trillion disbursement program for the first semester. “May we know the reason for underspending? Why was there an underspending?” Estrada asked. In response, Budget Sec. Amenah Pangandaman cited several reasons that contributed to the underspending. These included issues related to procurement by agencies and departments, low-interest payments, and various social programs that have yet to be fully implemented. (Bibo Nueva España/Senate PRIB)