By Argyll Cyrus Geducos President Duterte has abolished the Partido Development Authority (PDA) for operating at a loss since it was founded almost 20 years ago. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte ( KING RODRIGUEZ/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO/ MANILA BULLETIN) In Memorandum Order no. 29, signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea Tuesday, the abolition came after the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Camarines Sur urged President Duterte and the Government Commission for Government-Owned or -Controlled Corporations (GOCC) to abolish the PDA because of its failure to act on its mandate. "The PDA and its various operating units have been consistently operating at a loss for several years, which necessitates continuous subsidy from the National Government," the memorandum read. According to the memorandum, the GOCC has enumerated two reasons why the PDA should be abolished. "The PDA performs functions and purposes that duplicate or unnecessarily overlap with functions, programs, activities or projects already provided by a government agency," it said. "The PDA is not producing the desired outcomes, or no longer achieving the objectives and purposes for which it was originally designed and implemented, and/or not cost-efficient and does not generate the level of social, physical and economic returns vis-a-vis the resource inputs," it added. The PDA was established in 1994 to accelerate the development of the municipalities of Sagnay, Tigaon, Goa, San Jose, Lagonoy, Tinambac, Siruma, Presentacion, Garchitorena, and Caramoan in the 4th District of Camarines Sur. Despite the operation of the PDA, the 4th District of Camarines Sur still has the highest poverty incidence level compared to other districts in the province, and has a higher poverty incidence compared to the average of the entire Bicol Region. Disposition of assets The Privatization Management Office (PMO) is tasked to dispose of the assets of the PDA to settle its outstanding liabilities in accordance with applicable laws, rules and regulations. The planning and developmental functions of the PDA shall be relinquished to the appropriate local government units, while the administration and operations of the Nato Port shall be relinquished to the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA). Board of Directors The PDA Board of Directors shall act as the administrator and liquidator of the PDA and preserve and maintain the assets of the PDA, and assist the PMO in the disposition of such assets, and to settle PDA's liabilities. The Board is also tasked to issue a Notice of Termination to all affected PDA officers and employees, and maintain a minimum number of personnel necessary to preserve and maintain the assets of PDA, and assist in the liquidation of its corporate affairs. The will also settle the retirement and/or separation benefits of affected officers and employees of the PDA. Compensation All affected officials and personnel of the PDA, whether regular or contractual, may avail themselves of the separation benefits in addition to retirement or separation benefits allowed under existing laws.

• Those who are in their first 20 years will get their basic monthly pay (BMP) multiplied by 1.00, then multiplied by number of years.
• 20 years and 1 day to 30 years: 1.25 x BMP x Number of years.
• 30 years and 1 day and above: 1.50 x BMP x Number of years.

Funding for the separation pay and other benefits of the affected officials and personnel of the PDA shall be sourced from its corporate funds.