The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) issues a reminder to government agencies to use public funds “judicious and prudent” for year-end celebrations and related events. In Circular Letter No. 2026-15, the DBM says agencies should tone down Christmas parties and holiday-making as households face pressures from an energy crisis and worsening weather conditions linked to El Niño.
Both outlets frame the DBM’s move as a guidance on how agencies should manage costs during the holiday season, rather than a ban on celebrations. The emphasis across reports is on keeping events modest in light of an ongoing energy emergency and expectations that El Niño impacts may peak soon. The Inquirer.net report adds the specific reference to the circular letter and the DBM’s “judicious and prudent” language, while Philstar.com presents the same basic message with a shorter, headline-focused framing around Christmas parties staying modest.
