Manila, Sept. 15 -- The government will not automatically allocate additional funds for the expanded Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) program amid projected higher oil prices, with any funding increase to depend on the actual needs and requests of implementing agencies, Malacanang said Tuesday.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) would assess requests based on documented requirements, as the government prepares to assist Filipinos affected by the ongoing Middle East crisis and other emergencies.

"Hindi po maglalaan ng additional funding for UPLIFT. Depende po ito sa magiging actual na pangangailangan at request ng mga concerned implementing agencies...