Manila: 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.

According to Philippines News Agency, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated that 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 (There will be no additional funding specifically allocated for UPLIFT. It will depend on the actual needs and requests of the concerned implementing agencies)," Castro said during a Palace briefing.

She highlighted that government assistance might also be essential for Filipinos impacted by typhoons, floods, and other disasters, aside from the economic ramifications of the Middle East conflict.

Tuesday saw another round of substantial fuel price hikes, imposing increases of up to PHP5.68 per liter on motorists. Castro noted that the DBM could release funds based on the needs of implementing agencies, provided that complete supporting documents are submitted.

When questioned about whether funds remain from the PHP400 million released by the DBM in August for the expanded UPLIFT, Castro stated that she has yet to verify the balance.

Additionally, she mentioned that UPLIFT would not require a separate line item in the proposed 2027 National Expenditure Program (NEP) because it adheres to a whole-of-government approach. "Iyong UPLIFT Program is a whole of a government approach, hindi po kinakailangan na may isang single stand-alone budget item for this (The UPLIFT Program is a whole-of-government approach, so it does not need a single, stand-alone budget item for this)," Castro explained.

She reiterated that any additional funding would be determined by the actual requirements of concerned agencies rather than through a fixed UPLIFT allocation.