As Typhoon Kristine leaves devastation across the Philippines, the country’s nearly depleted National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (NDRRMF) has become a flashpoint in political tensions.

With only ₱1.9 billion left in the fund for the remainder of 2024, critics of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. have seized the opportunity to elevate Vice President Sara Duterte as an alternative leader.

In a recent press conference described by some as “unhinged,” Duterte even expressed that she imagined “cutting the head” of Marcos, a statement that her supporters are now using to highlight frustrations with the administration’s response to the ongoing crisis.

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) confirmed on Friday that after allocations for insurance and special allotments, the NDRRMF had dwindled from its original ₱22.74 billion budget to ₱1.983 billion, with multiple government agencies awaiting pending releases that will further reduce the remaining balance.

Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman reported that, of the funds left, pending requests from departments like Public Works and Highways and the Philippine National Police could bring the fund down to ₱921.4 million.

Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto, however, assured the public that the government still has adequate resources to respond to post-disaster needs.

“Rest assured, we have sufficient funds in the National Treasury to swiftly deliver critical services, including relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction,” Recto said.

He added that funds under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) of 2024 remain accessible, enabling rapid response to Typhoon Kristine and bolstering local government units’ (LGUs) disaster preparedness efforts.

While the NDRRMF and the Quick Response Fund (QRF) — designed for swift, agency-specific disaster response — are stretched thin, Recto emphasized that additional resources under the GAA can be mobilized to ensure adequate recovery efforts.

Local governments also retain access to QRFs, but many of these funds are now largely depleted as affected LGUs declare states of calamity and seek additional support.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla confirmed that LGU QRFs are “virtually exhausted,” leaving regions heavily impacted by Kristine with limited resources.

This strain has emboldened Duterte’s supporters to spotlight the perceived limitations in Marcos’s disaster response, positioning her as a stronger alternative.

Her allies argue that the administration’s strained relief resources underscore broader governance weaknesses and reinforce Duterte’s push for more proactive, hands-on leadership.

Meanwhile, the aftermath of Typhoon Kristine continues to unfold, with more than 2.6 million people affected and at least 13 fatalities reported.

While the Finance Department promises more resources for relief, the debate over disaster funding has magnified political divides just as the nation looks to rebuild.