MANILA – The House of Representatives on Tuesday overwhelmingly approved on third and final reading a bill reorganizing the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) into the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDEV).
During the plenary session, a total of 178 lawmakers voted in favor of House Bill 11199, or the proposed Economy, Planning, and Development Act. No lawmaker voted against the measure or abstained from voting.
According to the bill, DEPDEV would serve as the primary policy planning, coordinating, and monitoring arm of the executive branch for national economic development.
The proposed department shall be mandated to formulate the country’s continuing, integrated, and coordinated policies, plans, and programs for national development for approval by the Economy and Development Council (ED Council).
The ED Council shall serve as the executive collegial body responsible for directing and providing overall policy direction on economic matters to achieve inclusive and sustainable economic growth and development.
The DEPDEV shall also ensure the vertical and horizontal alignment and coherence of national and sub-national policies, plans, and programs towards optimal use of financial and economic resources and oversee the country’s public investment program.
The Senate passed its version of the bill in December. (PNA)