MANILA – The bill seeking to reorganize the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) into the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) passed the scrutiny of the bicameral conference committee meeting held at the Senate in Pasay City on Wednesday.
Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, who led the Senate panel, said the meeting was “quick and productive” and lawmakers from both chambers are looking forward to the swift passage of the measure.
“This landmark measure finally puts the DEPDev on equal footing with other departments, and empowers them to more effectively align national and local government units under a harmonized national development plan,” Zubiri said in a statement.
“This will then result in more jobs, more income, and more development for the country.”
Once established, DEPDev will take charge of aligning policies, plans, programs, and projects across national, subnational, sectoral, and spatial levels, aiming to strengthen and institutionalize the role of Regional Development Councils.
It shall also issue a “planning call” to guide the government’s planning cycle and provide trainings in development planning and policymaking.
Additionally, it will work closely with the Department of Budget and Management to align budget appropriations with long-term development goals.
The proposed department will also engage in scenario planning and future-focused exercises to anticipate trends and recommend adaptive measures.
Also present during the meeting were Senator Sherwin Gatchalian and Representatives Jonathan Keith Flores, Gerardo Valmayor, Joey Salceda, Loreto Acharon, Stella Quimbo, Joeman Alba and Gabriel Bordado.
Fulfillment of the Constitution’s mandate
House Committee on Ways and Means chair Joey Salceda lauded the bill’s approval as a long-overdue fulfillment of the Constitution’s mandate to create an independent economic planning agency.
“Finally, after almost 40 years, Congress has completed the Constitution’s mandate of creating an independent economic planning agency with the stature of a full Cabinet department,” Salceda said in a statement.
He cited Article XII, Section 9 of the Constitution, which tasked Congress with establishing a dedicated planning body.
Salceda said that while NEDA has served in this capacity, its role was intended to be temporary.
He said the DEPDev creation would ensure independence in economic planning and governance by providing “impartial, objective, and evidence-based analyses and recommendations for the socio-economic betterment of the nation.”
“Operationally, that means it shall always be allowed to have its say in the governance of our economy,” he said.
“An independent economic planning department means while we may differ politically, our decisions will be based on facts, evidence, and a long-term view of the country’s prospects.”
Salceda also cited key provisions in the bill seeking to institutionalize mechanisms for regional development and inflation monitoring.
The bill institutionalizes regional development councils and subcommittees, including the Subcommittee on Inflation Monitoring.
Salceda also underscored the need to devote resources to “futures thinking” that would help the country prepare for long-term economic scenarios.
“The best among our neighbors have invested heavily in imagining what the future holds and how they can be ready,” he said, adding the Philippines must follow suit to remain competitive. (with a report from Filane Mikee Cervantes/PNA)
