Hanoi, March 20 -- Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to release 21.47 billion PHP (about 385 million USD) to sustain infrastructure projects, protect jobs and mitigate the impact of rising fuel prices linked to tensions in the Middle East.

In a statement issued on March 19, Budget Secretary Rolando Toledo said the accelerated disbursement aims to ensure that essential public services and construction works continue without disruption, as higher oil prices place pressure on transport costs and household spending.

He stressed that each budget allocation is intended to support people's livelihoods, maintain service operations and ease the burden caused by global factors ...