Economy, Planning, and Development Act (Republic Act No. 12145)

ARTICLE I PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Economy, Planning, and Development Act''. 2 3 SEC, 2. Declaration of Policies and Principles. - The SEC. 4, Mandate. - The DEPDev shall be the primary State shall adopt and implement continuing, integrated, and policy, planning, coordinating, and monitoring arm of the coordinated policies, plans, and programs towards equitable Executive Branch of government on the national economy. distribution of opportunities, income, and wealth; ensure a sustained increase in the amount of goods and services It shall formulate the country's continuing, integrated, produced by the nation fur the benefit of the people; and expand and coordinated policies, plans, and programs for national productivity to raise the quality of life for all, development for approval by the Economy·and Development (ED) Council; ensure tbe vertical ;µid horizontal alignment and It is, therefore, vital that major programs and projects coherence of national and subnational policies, plans, and of different government agencies are properly reviewed and 1 programs towards optimal use of financial and economic coordinated by a national government agency to ensure their resources; and oversee the country's public investment consistency with established national and subnational priorities; program, that the linkage between development planning, programming, and budgeting is given the highest priority in identifying The DEPDev shall generate and provide impartial, programs, activities, and projects; and that the public and objective, and evidence-based analyses and recommendations for private sectors at the national and subnational levels the socio-economic betterment of the nation, particularly the participate in the process of formulating, implementing, Philippine government, and Filip,inos in general. monitoring, and evaluating policies, plans, and programs. SEC. 5. Powers and Functions of the DEPDeu, - The For this purpose, all socio-economic programs and DEPDev shall have the following powers and functions: activities of the government shall be programmed within the context of well-formulated and consistent long-, medium-, and (a) Policy and planning short-term development plans and policies to promote both the growth of the economy and the equitable distribution of its (1) Provide objective, evidence-based policy advice and benefits to the members of society, alternatives; propose or review policies, plans, and progi·ams through critical analyses of development issues; and report The State further recognizes that an independent economic findings and recommendations to the President, the Congress, and planning agency headed by the President of the Philippines or the relevant Committee of the ED Council, as appropriate, shall, after consultations with the appropriate public agencies, especially to: private sector groups, and local government units (LGUs), recommend priority legislative measures to Congress, (i) Foster sustainable and equitable distribution of economic opportunities and benefits to Filipinos;

ARTICLE II (ii) Support the development of agriculture, industry, and DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMY, PLANNING, services to achieve economic development goals, and foster AND DEVELOPMENT innovation vital to equitable and sustainable growth; SEC. 3. Reorganization of the National Economic and (iii) Advance national productivity, competition, and Development Authority. - The National Economic and competitiveness; Development Authority (NEDA) is hereby reorganized as the government's primary economic and planning agency, hereaft.er (iv) Promote transparency, accountability, participatory referred to as the Department of Economy, Planning, and governance, and strengthening of national and subnational Development (DEPDev). public institutions; 4 5 (v) Improve the policy and regulatory environment to (8) Coordinate with autonomous and administrative reduce the cost and improve the ease of doing business; and regions in the conduct of planning activities affecting their respective regions; (vi) Ensure that mast.er plans are coordinated, synergistic, responsive to emerging issues, and consistent with priority (b) Investment programming development strategies; (1) Ensure that development plans are translated into (2) Formulate a long-term v1s10n and development programs, activities, and projects; framework as the basis for the overall direction of government policies, programs, and projects with emphasis on (2) Formulate and review the national and regional public sustainability; investment program that identifies priority programs, activities, and projects; {3) Formulate a national and regional framework for physical and spatial planning to ensure the sustainable use (3) Adopt and implement appropriate evaluation measures of land and other physical resources which support the and criteria to determine the viability of programs and development of agriculture, environment, and natural projects; resources, industry, and services; (4) Appraise programs and p{-ojects, and recommend those (4) Formulate national and subnational development plans found to be socio-economically viable to the ED Council; and that set forth measurable goals, strategies, proposed policies, programs, and projects; (5) Ensure that projects which no longer serve their purpose or are not aligned with the medium- and long-term (5) Ensure consistency and monitor the implementation plans are retrenched or modified; of policies, national, subnational, sectoral, and spatial plans and programs; (c) Monitoring and evaluation . -~ (6) Together with the Department of Budget and (1) Formulate annual reports that monitor the Management (DBM), ensure that the annual and multi-year implementation of national and subnational development plans appropriations for programs and projects are aligned with the including recommendations to address identified gaps and long-term development framework and national and challenges; subnational development plans towards optimal use of financial resources. The DEPDev shall use available evaluation results (2) Establish and implement a centralized data system to inform decisions on the retrenchment, modification, or to monitor and assess the progress of implementation of scaling up of government programs, projects, and activities. priority programs and projects; The President may request the DEPDev fur its recommendation on budget appropriations that are not aligned with the long-term (3) Monitor and assess the implementation progress of development framework and national and subnational priority programs and projects using measurable indicators and development plans w ltich may be vetoed or subject to adaptable reporting frameworks suited to their specific nature; conditional implementation; (4) Evaluate and report the impacts and oul:comes of (7) Conduct research, surveys, and related studies to priority programs and projects to inform policy adjustments inform the formulation of policies and plans, and the design and decision-making; and of programs and projects; and 6 7 (5) Formulate a medium-term national evaluation agenda on Freedom of Information (FOI), the 1'.'EDA FOI Guidelines, and oversee the government's conduct of evaluation studies and other related issuances. consistent with the agenda, ensuring alignment with national development priorities and transparency of findings; and issue SEC. 6. Stakeholder Engagement. In the discharge of planning instructions as part of the periodic planning calls so these powers and functions, the DEPDev shall undertake that the agencies will align their programs, activities, and consultations with appropriate government agencies, civil projects (PAPs) with the evaluation findings; society organizations (CSOs), non-government organizations (NGOs), people's organizations (POs), the academe, private (d) Establish and implement a capacity-building program sector, and LGUs to incorporate their priority needs in the on development policy and planning for national and regional formulation of policies, plans, programs, and projects. government agencies, including administrative agencies, such as metropolitan authorities and LGUs;, SEC. 7. Composition of the DEPDev. The DEPDev shall be composed of the Office cif the Secretary, the Offices (e) Establish a dedicated office within the DEPDev that of the Undersecretaries and Assistant' Secretaries, technical shall undertake scenario planning and futures thinking and sectoral staff, operations support staff; and Regional Offices. exercises, anticipating future trends or discontinuities, and recommend responsive measures to the President and the SEC. 8. Secretary. - The Dl}PDev shall be headed by a Congress, as may be appropriate. As used in this Act, futures Secretary who shall be appointed by the President of the thinking refers to a set of approaches and topls designed to Philippines, subject to the confirmation by the Commission. on help their users identify emerging signals and trends, Appointments. determine drivers, navigate uncertainties, identify and articulate alternative scenarios, introduce innovation, design The Secretary shall have the following' minimum robust policies and strategies, and develop a common vision qualifications: a citizen and resident of the Phuippines; of good of a desired future through wide participation; moral character; of recognized probity, competence, and independence; professionally distinguished in public, civic, or (f) Provide technical and secretariat support to the ED academic service and preferably with a doctorate \/-egree in Council and its committees, as may be provided in this Act; Economics; has been in the active practice of his or her profession for at least ten (10) years; and does not come within (g) Serve as Secretariat to the Regional Development the prohibition on the appointment of defeated candidates Councils (RDCs) pursuant to Executive Order No, 325, series within one (1) year after the election. of 1996; the National Innovation Council pursuant to Republic Act No. 11293, otherwise known as the "Philippine Innovation SEC. 9. Functions of the Secretary. - The Secretary, Act"; the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council who shall serve as the country's Chief Economist, shall have pursuant to Republic Act No. 7640, or "An Act Constituting the following functions: the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council", and such other inter-agency committees, boards or councils, as may (a) Advise the President and the Members of Cabinet be provided by law; and on matters of national and subnational economic and social development; (h) Establish, manage, and maintain a repository of data, and make available such data, publications, research, analyses, (b) Provide regular reports to the President and the and other informaticn generated by the DEPDev in accordance Members of Cabinet on the state of the economy and with existing laws and regulations for the purpose of knowledge challenges ahead; sharing, subject to Executive Order No. 2, series of 2016, 8 9 (c) Lead public discourse on the latest trends, strategic SEC. 12. DEPDeu Regional Offices. - The DEPDev shall issues, futures thinking, and key developments and their establish, operate, and maintain an office in each region of the relevant implications for the country; country, except in Metro Manila and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Each regional office (d) Provide executive direction and supervision over and shall be headed by a Regional Director, who shall be assisted establish policies and standards for the efficient and effective by an Assistant Regional Director. The DEPDev Regional -Operations of the DEPDev; Offices shall discharge the functions of the DEPDev, as applicable, at the regional level. (e) Exercise disciplinary powers over officers and employees of the DEPDev in accordance with law, including In relation to the functions specified in Section 5 of this their, investigation and the designation of a committee or Act, the DEPDev Regional Offices shall have the following officer to conduct such investigation; functions: • (±) Promulgate such rules and regulations as may be (a) Ensure that regional and- local development priorities required to implement the objectives of this Act and the are aligned with national plans, without prejudice to other DEPDev's mandate, objectives, and policies; and means identified by the DEPDev Secretary to address delays in the achievement of Philippine Development Plan (PDP) (g) Perform other functions as may be provided by law goals. The Regional Development Committee (RDCom) and the or assigned by the President. Investment Coordin.ation Committee (ICC), after obtaining inputs from the RDCs, shall recommend national govemment (NG) SEC. 10. Undersecretaries and Assistani Secretaries. - and LGU cost-sharing arrangements to induce the LGUs to The Secretary shall be assisted by at least five (5) voluntarily commit resources for projects that will help address Undersecretaries and at least five (5) Assistant Secretaries, delays. The resulting recommendation of the RDCom and who shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines the ICC shall be vetted by the Development Budget upon the recommendation of the Secretary and subject to the Coordination Committee (DBCC) and shall be recommended for rules and regulations formulated by the Career Executive inclusion in the President's budget message and the National Service Board. Expenditure Program; The Secretary shall have the flexibility to determine the (b) Ensure that the national and regional plans and assignments of the U ndersecretaries and Assistant Secretaries programs are coherent. For this purpose, the D EPDev depending on the DEPDev's strategic directions on emerging Secretary and the Executive Secretary shall regularly convene development trends affecting the country's economy. regional national investment programming dialogues between RDC chairs and Cabinet Secretaries to formulate, update, and SEC. ll. Organizational Structure and Staffing. - The prioritize the roster of the DEPDev-DBM priority public Secretary of the DEPDev shall determine the organizational investment projects; structure and staffing pattern of the DEPDev in accordance with the revised compensation and position classification (c) Oversee the integration of plans and programs of system, subject to the evaluation and approval of the DBM, regional agencies, state universities and colleges (SUCs), special in compliance with the civil service laws, rules and development bodies, and LGUs into the regional and national regulations, and other relevant laws. Until the new plans. The DEPDev Regional Offices shall provide assistance organizational structure and staffing pattern are submitted to to regional line agencies, LGUs, SUCs, and special and approved by the DBM, the DEPDev shall retain the development bodies in identifying and developing programs existing organizational structure of the NEDA. and projects; JO II (d) Evaluate and review proposed policies, land use plans, (c) The following agencies shall be attached to the programs, and projects in the region; DEPDev for purposes of policy and program coordination: (e) Monitor and evaluate the implementation of plans, (1) Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) policies, programs, and projects; created pursuant to Presidential Decree No. lZOl dated September 26, 1977; (f) Provide technical and secretariat support to their respective RD Cs; (2) Commission on Population and Development (CPD) created pursuant to Republic Act No. 6365, otherwise known (g) Undertake research and ensure knowledge utilization as the "Population Act of the Philippines"; for regional development and productivity; and (3) Development Academy of the Philipp:ines (DAP) created (h) Provide technical assistance to development partners pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 205, series of 1973, as in the region in accordance with the DEPDev's functions. amended; and • SEC. 13. Attached Agencies. - The agencies currently (4) Public-Private Partnership Center of the Philippines attached to the NEDA shall hereafter be attached to the (PPPC) created pursuant to Executive Order No. 8, series of DEPDev and shall continue to operate and function in ZOlO, as amended by Republic Act No. 11966, otherwise known accordance with their respective charters, laws, rules, and as the "Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Code of the regulations, or orders on their creation, exce11t as otherwise Philippines''. provided in this Act, the Administrative Code of 1987, and subsequent laws. ARTICLE III (a) The following agencies shall be attached to the THE VISION, DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK, DEPDev for purposes of administrative supervision: AND OTHER PLANS, PROGRAMS, AND REPORTS (1) Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating SEC. 14. Visioning. - The DEPDev shall formulate a Agency (PNVSCA) created pursuant to Executive Order long-term vision, hereinafter referred to as the Visidn, which No. 635, series of 1980; and embodies the long-term aspirations of all Filipinos. It shall be data-driven and evidence-based, encompassing all dimensions (Z) Tariff Commission (TC) created pursuant to Republic of economic, social, and environmental development The Vision Act No. 10863, otherwise known as the "Customs shall undergo periodic review in consideration of changing Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA)", as amended. aspirations and preferences. (b) The following agencies shall be attached to the SEC. 15. Long-term Development Framework. - The DEPDev for purposes of policy coordination: DEPDev shall formulate the countcy's long-term development framework, hereinafter referred to as the Framework. (1) Philippine Statistics Authority; and The Framework is a high-level and broad strategy (2) Philippine Statistical Research and Training Institute spanning twenty-five (25) years that shall guide the country (PSRTI), both created pursuant to Republic Act No. 10625, toward sustainable growth and development and the attainment otherwise known as the "Philippine Statistical Act of 2013''. of the Vision. It shall serve as a tool to coordinate, guide, and inform the preparation and consideration of future, more detailed national and subnational development plans, national 12 13 and subnational public investment programs, and sectoral and and development blueprint, known as the PDP, which shall inter-sectoral plans and programs. It shall embody the be anchored on the Framework. development goals and milestones to serve as the basis for the overall direction of government policies, programs, and projects The PDP shall establish a set of measurable goals and across political administrations. The initial long-term objectives with corresponding strategies, in terms of policies, development framework shall cover the period ending in the programs, and projects, which shall be the basis for each year 2050. political administration's pursuit of its economic and development agenda. The Framework shall further include the country's long-term vision, goals, and strategy for infrastructure Within a reasonable period· after the formulation of the development. In line with this, all agencies are required to PDP, the DEPDev Regional Offices shall formulate, formulate and submit to the DEPDev their sectoral in consultation with public agencies, CSOs, NGOs, POs, the infrastructure master plans which are responsive to the academe, the private sector, and LGUs, an economic and long-term development framework.'The plan shall be development plan at the subnational level, known as the consolidated and vetted by the Infrastructure Development Regional Development Plan, hereinafter referred to as the RDP. Committee (InfraCom) into the Comprehensive Infrastructure The RDP shall be aligned with the PDP, defining the region's Development Master Plan (CIDMP). The CIDMP shall serve development direction. The PDP and the RDPs shall be subject as the foundation for forward planning, prioritization and to a midterm review and updating in consideration of development of infrastructure investment and programs. It accomplishments, emerging trends, and developments. shall serve as the integrated framework of th~ infrastructure programs and projects of government enterprise architecture. SEC. 18. Public Investment Program and Regional Development Investment Program. - The DEPDev, in The CIDMP shall be reviewed and updated as needed, consultation with public agencies, shall formulate· the Public to anticipate disruptions, emergencies, crises, and new or Investment Program (PIP). The PIP shall identify the priority emerging technologies and trends. PAPs that are responsive to the sectoral goals and outcomes of the PDP, for implementation through national government SEC. 16. Planning Ca.ll. - Within three (3) months from funds or the General Appropriations Act (GAA),. Official the President's assumption of office, the DEPDev shall issue Development Assistance (ODA), Public-Private Partnership a Planning Call to officially commence the planning and (PPP), joint ventures (JV), and other viable implementation consultative process for the formulation of the PDP. The and financing options. At the subnational level, the DEPDev Planning Call shall: (a) mandate all government agencies to Regional Offices, in consultation with their respective RDCs, prioritize and facilitate the submission of inputs and carry out shall formulate the Regional Development Investment actions pertinent to plan formulation, including, but not Program (RDIP). limited to, the organization of the plan steering committee and other planning committees; and (b) provide the standards, Together with the DEPDev Secretary, the Executive guidelines, and accountability mechanisms to ensure linkage Secretary and the DEPDev Regional Offices, the RDC shall of planning with budgeting, and the harmonization of national, also collectively conduct RDC national investment programming subnational, sectoral, and spatial plans and programs. dialogues to aid the coherence and periodic updating of the overall PIP as provided for under Section 12 of this Act. SEC. 17. Philippine Development Pla.n a.nd Regional Development Plans. - Within six (6) months from the SEC. 19. Philippine Development Report and Regional President's assumption of office, the DEPDev shall formulate, Development Reports. - The DEPDev and its Regional Offices in consultation with public agencies, CSOs, NGOs, POs, the shall annually formulate the Philippine Development Report academe, the private sector, and LGUs, a national econbmic (PDR) and Regional Development Reports (RDRs), respectively, 14 15 which shall serve as monitoring reports on the implementation SEC. 23. Composition of the ED Council. - The ED of the PDP and RDPs. The results from such monitoring Council shall be composed of the following: activities shall serve as inputs to policy and decision-make1·s in the formulation of policies, budgeting, and implementation (a) The President of the Philippines as Chairperson; of programs and projects. To this end, the PDRs and RDRs shall contain the latest data and information pertaining to the (b) Secretary of the DEPDev as Vice Chairperson; goals, policies, and strategies specified in the PDP. and the following as Members: SEC. 20. Transparency and Accountability Reports. Within the first quarter of every year, the DEPDev shall (c) Executive Secretary; submit a report on the economic performance of the country to the President of the Philippines, the Members of Cabinet, (d) Secretary, Department of Agriculture (DA); the Congress, and the Filipino people through the mass media. The report shall include the status and the directions of the (e) Secretary, Department of.Budget and Management; fiscal and monetary policies of the government in coordination with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), the Department (f) Secretary, Department of Education (DepEd); of Finance (DOF), and the DBM; macroeconomic outlook and labor market prospects; and other relevant information in the (g) Secretary, Department of Energy (DOE); interest of transparency and accountability. (h) Secretary, Department of Finance; SEC. 21. Inter-Generational Report. - The DEPDev shall submit an Inter-Generational Report (IGR) to the President of (i) Secretary, Department of Health (DOH); the Philippines and the Congress upon the approval of this Act and every six (6) years thereafter. The IGR shall be an (j) Secretary, Department of Human Settlements and assessment of the long-term sustainability of existing Urban Development (DHSUD); government policies over the next twenty-five (25) years, taking into account projected demographic, environmental, and (k) Secretary, Department of the Interior and Local other changes. Government (DILG); \'·

ARTICLE IV (1) Secretary, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE); ECONOMY AND DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL (m) Secretary, Department of Public Works and Highways SEC. 22. Economy and Development Council. - The (DPWH); NEDA Board shall be reconstituted as the Economy and Development Council, hereafter referred to as the ED Council. (n) Secretary, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI); The ED Council, headed by the President of the Philippines, shall serve as the executive collegial body responsible for (o) Secretary, Department of Transportation (DOTr); and directing and providing overall policy direction on economic matters to achieve inclusive and sustainable economic growth (p) Chairperson, Mindanao Development Authority and development. (MinDA); The Chief Minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao shall serve as an ex officio member of /6 17 the ED Council on matters concerning the Bangsamoro environment is conducive to the promotion of inclusive and Autonomous Region. sustainable economic growth. The Governor of the BSP or a duly authorized The following Committees shall assist the ED Council in representative shall sit in the meetings of the ED Council as the performance of its functions: .a resource person. j (a) Development Budget Coordination Committee; The President of the Philippines or the ED Council and its Committees may invite the participation of other heads of (b) Economic Development Committee; depastments and agencies as resource persons, as necessary. (c) Investment Coordination Committee; The President of the Philippines may revise the membership of the ED Council whene'ver necessary for the (d) Social Development Committee; effective performance of the Council's functions. (e) Infrastructure Committee; SEC. 24. Powers and Functions of the ED Council. - The ED Council shall have the following powers and functions: (t) Tariff and Related Matt!)rS Committee; (a) Direct the formulation and implementation of policies, (g) National Land Use Committee; and plans, and programs that promote economic development and address development concerns of national importance; (h) Regional Development Committee. (b) Approve policies, development plans, programs, and . The DEPDev shall serve as the Secretariat to all projects consistent with the policies set by the Pi·esident of Committees unless otherwise provided in this Act. the Philippines, as may be endorsed by the Committees of the ED Council; The President of the Philippines may r<;_vise the membership and reorganize the structures and functions of the (c) Approve proposed cost threshold and other criteria for Committees, and establish new committees, as necessary. priority programs and projects, except those provided by laws, rules, and regulations; The Committees may invite the participation of other heads of departments and agencies, or other resource persons, (d) Approve the level of annual government expenditures, as necessary. as well as projections, forecasts, I'esource requirements, and the ceiling of government spending; and The Committees may create their respective sub-committees, to provide technical support on matters within (e) Issue rules and regulations necessary for the effective their mandate, and which require their appropriate action. discharge of its powers and functions. The technical sub-committees shall be composed of duly designated representatives of the same member agencies, with SEC. 25. Committees of the ED Council. - The ED a rank of Undersecretary or its equivalent. Unless the Council shall have committees that shall act as its primary Committees resolve otherwise, the existing technical committees advisory bodies. These Committees shall be the main under the NEDA Board Inter-Agency Committees shall be coordinating mechanism for ensuring that the policy retained. 18 19 Each Committee shall formulate its respective rules and (3) Level of the NG counterpart budget in the NG-LG U regulations, which shall govern procedures before 1ts respective cost sharing initiatives to augment resources for DEPDev goals bodies, in accordance with applicable laws. and as described in Section 12 of this Act; SEC. 26. Meetings. - The ED Council shall regularly (4) A strategic multi-year fiscal program which supports meet, at least on a quarterly basis or as frequently as the long-term and medium-term development objectives of the necessary. A special meeting of the ED Council may be country; and convened by the President to address urgent concerns, emergencies, and other extraordinary circumstances. In cases (5) A domestic and foreign b·orrowing program for general where the President is unable to attend, the Secretary of the financing and development purposes; and DEPDev shall preside unless the President designates another ED Council member to preside over such_ meeting. All decisions (b) Conduct periodic reviews of fiscal and macroeconomic reached by the ED Council in a meeting 'presided by an official targets, as well and the revenue and expenditure projections other than the President shall require the latter's concurrence. of the government, including general' examination of costs, accomplishments, and performance standards applied in The DEPDev shall maintain and preserve a complete und·ertaking development projects. record of the proceedings and deliberations of the ED Council, including the recordings and transcripts, either in their original The DBM shall serve as tl:i.e Secretariat to the DBCC. form or in any secure format made availal:,le by existing technology. SEC. 28. Economic Development Committee (EDCom). - The EDCom shall be composed of the Secretaries of the SEC. 27. Development Budget Coordination Committee DA, DBM, DEPDev, Department of Information and (DBCC). - The DBCC shall be composed of the Secretaries of Communications Technology (DICT), DILG, DOE, DOF, DOLE, the DBM, DEPDev, DOF, and the Executive Secretary. DOST, Department of Tourism (DOT), DOTr, DPWH, and The Governor of the BSP or a duly authorized representative DTI, and a representative designated by the Office .of the shall sit in the meetings of the DBCC as a resource person. President. The Governor of the BSP or a duly avthorized representative shall sit in the meetings of the EDCom as a The Secretaries of the DBM and the DEPDev shall serve resource person. as the chairperson and vice chairperson of the DBCC, respectively. The Secretaries of the DEPDev and the DOF shall serve as chairperson and vice chairperson of the EDCom, respectively. The DBCC shall have the following functions: The EDCom shall be responsible for harmonizing, (a) Recommend for final approval of the President of the coordinating, complementing, and synergizing efforts to ensure Philippines: the country's rapid, inclusive, and sustained growth. For this purpose, the EDCom shall perform the following functions: (1) The level of annual government expenditures and the ceiling of government spending for economic, social, and (a) Promote an environment conducive to the growth and general public services, national defense, and debt service; competitiveness of private enterprises and the creation of jobs that will empower and provide people with opportunities to rise (2) The budget to be allocated for current operating above poverty; expenditures and capital outlays of government programs and projects; 20 21 (b) Improve farms and rural enterprises, as well as trade The InfraCom shall have the following functions: policies vital to achieving food security and more equitable economic growth; (a) Recommend to the President an efficient, enduring, and resilient national infrastructure development strategy, and (c) Mitigate inflation and ensure food and energy secmity, necessary government policies, programs, and p1•ojects -while balancing the interest of producers, consumers, and concerning infrastructure development, consistent with national the economy; development objectives and priorities; (d) Undertake research and development that are relevant (b) Review and approve infrastructure master plans of to and supportive of the requirements of micro-, small-, and national significance for subsequent endorsement to and medium-enterprises (MSMEs) and for national industries; confirmation by the ED Council; (e) Improve national productivity and competitiveness of (c) Advise the President of the ·Philippines and the domestic products and services; and ED Council on all matters concerning infrastructure development; and (f} Ensure deep and wide distribution of economic opportunities and benefits to the Filipino people. (d) Coordinate the activities of agencies, including government-owned· and -controlled corporations (GOCCs) The EDCom may, as necessary, call upon _any government involved in infrastructure development. institution or invite LGUs and representatives from the private sector to provide assistance in attaining its objectives. SEC. 30. Investment Coordination Committee (ICC). - The ICC shall be composed of the Secretaries of the DBM, To avoid duplication of efforts and forum shopping, the DEPDev, DOE, DOF, DTI, and the Executive Secretary. The EDCom shall defer to the ED Council on matters within the Governor of the BSP or a duly authorized representative shall primary purpose of the latter and its other inter-agency sit in the meetings of the ICC as a resource person. committees pursuant to this Act. The Secretaries of the DOF and the DEPDev ~hall serve The DEPDev shall serve as the Secretariat to the EDCom. as co-chairpersons of the ICC. A Sub-Committee on Inflation Monitoring and Market The I CC shall have the following functions: Outlook shall be established under the EDCom. The Sub-Committee shall serve as an advisory body to the EDCom on measures (a) Ensure the efficient and effective evaluation of the that will keep inflation within the government's inflation targets. country's major capital programs and projects by determining levels of acceptability and viability relative to overall economic SEC, 29. Infrastructure Development Committee and fiscal conditions of the country; (InfraCom). - The lnfraCom shall be composed of the Secretaries of the DA, DBM, Department of Environment and (b) Recommend for the approval by the President or the Natural Resources (DENR), DEPDev, DHSUD, DICT, ED Council, as the case may be: DILG, DOE, DOF, DOT, DOTr, DPWH, and DTI, and the Executive Secretary. (1) The timetable of the implementation of major capital programs and projects on a regular basis; The Secretaries of the DPWH and the DEPDev shall serve as co-chairpersons of the InfraCom. 22 23 (2) PPPs and other modalities of development financing SEC. 32. Tariff and Related Matters Committee (TRMC). - in support of long-term programs and projects for the national The TRMC shall be composed of the Secretaries of the DA, and local government, and GOCCs, in accordance with relevant DBM, DEPDev, DFA, DICT, DOF, DOLE, and DTI, the laws; and Executive Secretary, the Chairpersons of the TC and the Philippine Competition Commission, and the Governor of (3) Specific major programs and projects found viable in the BSP. terms of economic and social benefits; The Secretaries of the DTI and the DEPDev shall serve (c) Submit to the President a status of the fiscal, as co-chairpersons of the TRMC. monetary, and balance of payment implications of major capital and infrastructure programs and projects; and The TRMC shall have the following functions: (d) Advise the President on matters related to the (a) Recommend to the President a trade and tariff domestic and foreign borrowings program in relation to rationalization policy that supports the attainment of the major capital and infrastructure projects requiring approval country's socio-economic objectives; by the ICC. (b) Advise the President and the ED Council on tariff and SEC. 31. Social Development Committee (SDC). - The non-tariff matters, including possible effects of international SDC shall be composed of the Secretaries of the DA, DBM, developments on trade to ensure that trade policy is consistent DEPDev, DepEd, DICT, DOLE, DHSUD, DILG, DSWD, DOH, with the country's development goals and utilized as a tool and Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the Chairperson towards efficiency, streamlining, and competitiveness; and of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the Executive Secretary. (c) Recommend the implementation of national positions fo,· bilateral, regional, and multilateral economic negotiations The Secretaries of the DOLE and the DEPDev shall serve on trade in goods and services. as co-chairpersons of the SDC. SEC. 33. National Land Use Committee (NLUC). - The The SDC shall have the following functions: NLUC shall be composed of the Secretaries of the DA, DAR, DEPDev, DENR, DHSUD, DILG, and DPWH, the Executive (a) Recommend for final approval of the ED Council, Secretary, and one (1) representative of the Union of Local appropriate policies, programs, and projects on social Authorities of the Philippines. development, including education, human resources, health and nutrition, population and family planning, social protection, The Secretary of the DEPDev shall serve as the housing, human settlements, Overseas Filipino Workers, and chairperson of the NLUC. other vulnerable sectors; The NLUC shall have the following functions: (b) Coordinate the activities of government agencies concerned with social development; and (a) Advise the President and the ED Council on matters concerning land use and physical planning; (c) Advise the President and the ED Council on matters concerning social development and the delivery of social (b) Integrate and harmonize guidelines and policies services. relevant to land use and spatial planning; 24 25 (c) Recommend for final approval of the ED Council the The RDCom Area Committees shall be composed of the national and subnational framework for physical planning; RDC cliairpersons and co-chairpersons of their respective island groups: Provided, That the Chairperson of the Metro Manila (d) Endorse and provide technical support to the Council shall be part of the Luzon RDC Area Committee, and Department of Justice for the resolution of region-specific land the Chairperson of the Bangsamoro Economic Development ·use and spatial planning policy disputes and controversies Council of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim among government agencies; Mindanao shall be part of the Mindanao RDC Area Committee. (e) Formulate the National Framework for Physical The RDCom Area Committee members shall select from Planning (NFPP), shepherd the preparation of subnational among themselves their chairperson and co-chairperson. The spatial development and physical frameworks, and come up three (3) RDCom Area Committees shall represent their with other inter-sectoral policies and, programs that guide respective island groups in the RDCoin. the rational use and management of the country's land and other physical resources. The NFPP shall have a timeframe The Secretary of the DEPDev shall serve as the of thirty (30) years with regular review and updating every chairperson of the RDCom. ten (10) years; The RDCom shall have thp following functions: (f) Promote and ensure the integration of land use and spatial planning policies, plans, and programs, including (a) Formulate and monitor the implementation of policies disaster risk management and climate change adaptation and that reduce regional development disparities; mitigation, into national and subnational socio-economic plans and programs; (b) Serve as the clearing house for key regional development policy or program proposals which impact on (g) Coordinate the establishment of an up-to-date, two (2) or more regions; interoperable, and accessible n,ational database system whi.eh shall identify and classify the present and possible uses of (c) Formulate and monitor the implementation of the specific land resou1-ces; and framework for regional development of the PDP; (h) Periodically assess the impacts or effects of land use (d) Promote equitable allocation of resources among policies which have been adopted and implemented. regions by providing recommendations to the DBCC on the guidelines for the regional allocation of budgetary resources; SEC. 34. Regional Development Committee (RDCom). - The RDCom shall be composed of the Secretaries of the DBM, (e) Periodically review the viability of the regional · DEPDev, and DILG, the Executive Secretary, three (3) RDC configuration of the country, and recommend to the ED Council Area Committee chairpersons representing Luzon, Visayas, the re-delineation of regions, as necessary; and and Mindanao, and three (3) regional development experts from the private sector or academe representing Luzon, Visayas, (f) Periodically review the composition, structure, and and Mindanao. operating mechanism of the RDCs and recommend necessary changes to the President. The RDCom Area Committees for Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao shall be created to assist the RDCom in the SEC. 35. Full Disclosure Rnle. - In addition to the performance of its functions. The RDCom Area Committees requirements of Republic Act No. 6713, otherwise known as shall serve as the clearing house for interregional concerns to the "Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials be elevated to the RDCom. and Employees", any member of the ED Council or its 26 27 Committees, with a personal and pecuniary interest in any (f) Promote and direct the inflow and allocation of private matter in the agenda of any meeting, shall disclose such investments in the region to support regional development interest to the ED Council and shall inhibit from such meeting objectives, policies, and strategies; when the matter is taken up. The minutes of the meeting shall reflect the disclosure made and the inhibition of the (g) Review and endorse national plans, programs, and member concerned from the meeting. The decision taken on projects proposed for implementation in the regions; • the matter shall be made public. (h) As may be required by the ICC or by existing laws, SEC. 36. Regional Development Council (RDC). - Without rules, and regulations, review and endorse projects of national prejudice to the powers vested -in the President by Article X, government agencies and those of LGUs requiring national Section 14 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, the RDCs, government financial exposure which may come in the form established pursuant to Executive Order No. 325, series of 1996, of guarantees, or national government budget appropriations shall continue to operate and shall be the regional counterparts or subsidies, among others; of the ED Council. To strengthen the linkage between national and subnational planning, budgeting, and investment (i) Initiate and coordinate the identification and programming, and to accelerate the economic and social formulation of priority inter-LGU and special development development of the regions, the RDCs shall be vested with the projects, and oversee their implementation in coordination with following powers and functions: the concerned agencies and LG:t.Js; (a) Coordinate and lead the preparation, implementation, (j) Coordinate and lead the monitoring and evaluation of monitoring, and evaluation of the RDPs, regional physical plans major projects undertaken by national government agencies, or regional spatial development frameworks, RDIPs and special GOCCs, and special development authorities, as well as LGU development plans, including the formulation of policy projects funded by the national government; • recommendations; (k) Review and approve masterplans, such as those for (b) Review and integrate into the RDP the relevant metropolitan areas and river basins; features of approved development plans of provinces and highly urbanized and independent component cities, line agencies, ' (1) Pursue capacity building of LGUs on socio-economic SUCs, GOCCs, and special development authorities in the region; planning, investment programming, project development, and monitoring and evaluation; and (c) Implement an action agenda to operationalize the RDPs at the local level; (m) Perform other related functions and activities necessary to promote and sustain the socio-economic (d) Review and prioritize PAPs that support the RDP, as development of the regions. contained in the RDIP, and endorse to the national government those requiring funding support; Each RD C shall be composed of: (e) Review and endorse to the national government the (1) Provincial Governors; annual budgets of government agencies or instrumentalities in the region, such as, but not limited to, agency regional offices, (2) City Mayors; SUCs, and special development authorities; (3) Mayors of municipalities designated as provincial capital; (4) Provincial chapter presidents of the league of municipalities; 28 29 (5) Regional heads of DEPDev, BSP, CHED, DAR, DA, membership and composition of the RDCs whenever necessary DBM, DepEd, DOE, DENR, DFA, DOF-Bureau of Local for the effective performance of their functions. Government Finance, DOH, DHSUD, DICT, DILG, DMW, DOLE, DPWH, DOST, DSWD, DOT, DOTr, DTI, Cooperative ARTICLE V Development Authority (CDA), National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), Office of Civil Defense (OCD), and TRANSITORY AND OTHER MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS , Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA); SEC. 37. Transitory Provision.. - The DEPDev shall, by (6) Other agencies that the RDCs deem critical to their virtue of this Act, be subrogated to all the rights and assume respective regions; and all the liabilities, funds, records, 'properties, assets, equipment, necessary personnel, and unexpended appropriations or (7) Private sector representatives who shall comprise one-fourth (114) of the regular membership of the RDC. I ; allocations of the NEDA All contracts and liabilities of tlie NEDA are hereby The President shall appoint the chairperson and transferred to and assumed by the DEPDev and shall be acted co-chairperson of each RDC. The RDC, through a majority of upon in accordance with Presidential Decree No. 1445, its members, shall nominate at least two (2) local chief otherwise known as the "Government Auditing Code of the executives who are ex officio members and two (2) private Philippines", as amended, and other pertinent laws, rules, sector 1·epresentatives from whom the President shall select and regulations. ' and appoint the RDC chan:person and co-chairperson: Provided, That if the chairperson is from the government sector, the Subject to the succeeding section, all current officials and co-chairperson shall be selected from the private sector; and employees of the NEDA shall enjoy security of tenure and be if the chairperson is from the private sector, the co-chairperson retained under and absorbed by the DEPDev, in accordance shall be selected from the government sector. with the staffing pattern and the selection process as prescribed under Republic Act No. 6656, or the "Government Regional directors of national government agencies in the Reorganization Law". Current officials and employees of the region shall not be included in the selection of nominees for !,,'EDA shall continue to draw their salaries, benefits, !',nd other chairperson and co-chairperson. emoluments from the appropriations of the NEDA' until the corresponding funds shall have been appropriated and released The President may appoint a chairperson and to the DEPDev no later than one (1) year from the effectivity co-chairperson who is not among the nominees of the RDC but of this Act. is a permanent member of the RDC: Provided, That if the chairperson is from the government sector, the co-chairperson Any reference to the NEDA, its Director-General, shall be selected from the private sector; and if the chairperson Secretary, or the NEDA Board in any existing law, executive is from the private sector, the co-chairperson shall be selected order, administrative order, presidential proclamation, rules and from the government sector. regulations, and other issuances related to the mandate of the DEPDev, shall hereafter refer to the DEPDev, the DEPDev The DEPDev Regional Director shall serve as the Seci·eta:ry, and the ED Council, respectively. ex officio vice chairperson. The Regional Office of the DEPDev shall serve as the Secretariat of the RDC. All programs and projects submitted to the NEDA for appraisal or those endorsed by the current ICC for the Subject to Article X, Section 14 of the 1987 Philippine approval of the NEDA Board prior to the effectivity of this Constitution, the President of the Philippines may revise the Act shall be subject to the prevailing procedure under laws, rules and regulations, guidelines, and issuances at the time 30 3! these were submitted to the NEDA or endorsed to the ICC, Book V of Executive Order No. 292, series of 1987; Executive as the case may be. Order No. 257, series of 2003; Executive Orders Nos. 770 and 770-A, series of 2008; and Sections 1 and 2 of Executive Order The President may retain the incumbent Secretary of the No. 28, series of 2023. are hereby repealed. All laws, decrees, NEDA as the Secretary of DEPDev, without need of a new executive orde rs. ordinances, rules, regt\lations, and ot her appointment, in line with the authority of the President under issuances, or parts thereof, which are inconsis tent with any

Article VII, Section 16 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution to provision of this Act, are hereby repealed, amended, or nominate and appoint a new Secretary. modified accordingly. SEC. 38. Separa.tion, and Ret.irement from Service of SEC. 43. Effectiuity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen Employees of NEDA. - The NEDA employees who are (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a separated from service as a result of the reorganization under newspaper of general circulation, the provisions of this Act shall receive separation benefits which they may be entitled to under existing laws: Provided, Approv8d, That those who are qualified to retire under existing retirement b~ laws shall be allowed to retire and receive retirement benefits, which they may be entitled to under applicable laws and issuances. SEC. 39. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to cover the initial implementation of this Act shall be charged ALDEZ FRANCIS ·'CHIZ· G. ESCUDERO against the current year's appropriations of the NEDA. Speaker ofthe ( 1se Presidem o(the Senate Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the effective rf Representatives and continuous implementation of this Act shall be included in the annual GAA This Act, which is a consolidation of Senate Bill No. 2878 a nd House Bill No. 11199, was passed by the Senate of the SEC. 40. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within Philippines and the House of Representatives on Janua1y 27, 2025. sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the DEPDev shall promulgate the rules and regulations necessary for t he proper implementation of its provisions. The implementing rules and regulations shall take effect fifteen (15) days after the completion of its publication in two (2) newspapers of general circulation. Within three (3) days from its effectivity date, three (3) certified copies of the published implementing St!ar!lar1· Gent!ral rules and regulations shall be furnished to the University of !1uuse o/ Rqwt!senlotives the Philippines Law Center p1irsuant to Book VII, Chapter 2, Section 3 of Executive Order No. 292, otherwise known as the "Administrative Code of 1987", as amended. SEC. 41. Separability Clmtse. - If any prov1s1on or Approved: 'APR 1 0 2n25 portion of this Act is declared unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act, or any provision not thereby affected shall remain I in full force and effect. /~ SEC. 42 Repealing Clause. - Executive Order No. 230, series of 1987: Chapters 1, 2, 3. and 4, Subtitle C. Title II, FERDlNAND ~oy{uAL~foz MARCOS JR. Presid';/1 {1, 'the I • • ii , • Office a t e President MALACANA OROS OFFICE <>"loi( DIRECTOR IV