Budget surplus climbs to P165.4 billion in JanuaryLatest data from the BTr showed that the budget surplus at the start of the year was a turnaround from the P313.17-billion deficit in December. Latest data from the BTr showed that the budget surplus at the start of the year was a turnaround from the P313.17-billion deficit in December. A budget surplus occurs when revenue collections exceed government expenditures, meaning the state generated more money for the period than it spent. The government jacked up its interest payments by 22.4 percent to P127.8 billion from P104.4 billion a year ago. Meanwhile, total revenue collection in January inched up to P468.9 billion from P467.1 billion a year ago.

Source: Philippine Star March 20, 2026 16:25 UTC