Budget Secretary Kim Robert C. de Leon said growth in the second quarter is expected to rebound from the dismal 2.8% performance in the first three months of the year, though much will depend on how agencies deploy the funds released to them, as reported by BusinessWorld .
De Leon noted a difference in terms of budget releases compared to earlier quarters, emphasizing that the pace of government spending will be crucial for economic recovery. The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has been accelerating fund releases to support infrastructure and social programs.
The statement comes amid concerns over slower-than-expected growth in the first quarter, with the government betting on increased public expenditure to stimulate economic activity. Analysts will be watching agency disbursement rates closely in the coming months.