Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 992)
Republic Act No. 992 is known as "The Revised Budget Act."
The policy is that the whole budgetary concept of the Government be based on functions, activities, and projects, in terms of expected results.
The term "Budget" means the budget required by section nineteen (1), Article VI, of the Constitution, to be submitted by the President to Congress, and which is referred to in section seven of the Act.
Current operating expenditures refer to appropriations spent for the purchase of goods and services for current consumption or within the fiscal year, including the acquisition of furniture and equipment usually used in the conduct of normal government operations.
The Budget Commission prepares the Budget and other appropriation proposals, assembles and revises appropriation requests; studies government departments for greater economy and efficiency; requires necessary information from departments; issues regulations for statistical information; and assists Congressional committees on revenue or appropriations.
The Budget Commissioner and Deputy Budget Commissioner are appointed by the President with the consent of the Commission on Appointments.
The Budget consists of two parts: (1) current operating expenditures and (2) capital outlays. Each part includes the general fund and all classes of special, operating trust funds, and bond funds.
The Budget must include a budgetary message, a brief summary of Government functions and activities, and summary financial statements such as estimated expenditures and receipts, actual appropriations, expenditures, receipts from previous years, condition of the Treasury, details on bonded and long-term obligations, and other necessary financial statements.
Each head of department or agency must submit their request for appropriations to the Budget Commissioner by a determined date, in compliance with regulations, with budget estimates divided into current operating expenditures and capital outlays, showing functions and activities along with personnel schedules and narrative descriptions.
Except in case of a national emergency or serious financial stress proclaimed by the President, total authorized appropriations for current operations must not exceed ordinary income; total estimated ordinary income must cover appropriations for current operations and capital outlays and leave a surplus; appropriations must be supported by existing income or proposals for additional revenue.
No, all moneys appropriated must be used solely for the specific purposes for which appropriated and for no other purpose.
Appropriations must be allotted by the Budget Commissioner based on quarterly or other periodic allotment requests from department heads. The Commissioner reviews and modifies allotments as necessary, ensuring expenditures do not exceed available appropriations and anticipated revenues.
Every illegal expenditure or obligation is void; responsible officers or employees authorizing or making such payments and persons receiving them are jointly and severally liable to the Government. Violations can lead to removal from office after notice and hearing.
Funds shall not be used to pay salaries or wages of officers or employees who engage in a strike against the Government, or who are members of organizations asserting the right to strike or advocating overthrow of the Government by force or violence, subject to civil service rules and proper proceedings.
The corresponding Chief Accountant must certify the availability of funds and allotments before any disbursement, expenditure, or obligation can be authorized by department or agency heads.