Manila, April 9 -- The government will save up to PHP25.6 billion for the whole year following the implementation of a 20-percent reduction in non-essential government spending, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said on Thursday.

The move is part of the government's efforts to create additional fiscal space to cushion the impact of the escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which continue to affect the global energy supply and prices.

The DBM said it is implementing strict efficiency measures across national government agencies by reducing non-essential Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE).

"These include limiting official travel to essential activities, maximizing virtual engagements, strengthening...