The COVID-19 pandemic significantly altered the spending priorities of the National Government (NG). Funds already appropriated under the FY 2020 GAA were pooled as savings after discontinuing some programs, projects and activities (PAPs) in favor of COVID-19 expenditures. Moreover, some agencies had to reprogram and realign funds within existing regular agency budgets (RAB) for FY 2020 to channel more resources to COVID-19-related activities. Such changes in the current year's budget was made possible with the extraordinary powers over the budget granted to the President under Republic Act No. 11469, so that NG could quickly mobilize resources and respond to pressing needs brought about by the health crisis, while at the same time keeping spending within its means.
