The House plenary hall (Contributed photo)

The measure seeking to reorganize the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) into the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDEV), and reconstitute the NEDA Board into the Economy and Development Council (ED Council), has hurdled the House of Representatives.

Unanimously approved on third and final reading Tuesday, Jan. 14 was House Bill (HB) No.11199. 

The bill, which garnered 178 affirmative votes during plenary session, provided that the DEPDEV shall be the primary policy, planning, coordinating and monitoring arm of the executive branch of government on the national economy. 

It shall formulate the country’s continuing, integrated and coordinated policies, plans and programs for national development for approval by the ED Council.

The DEPDEV shall also ensure the vertical and horizontal alignment and coherence of national and subnational policies, plans and programs toward optimal use of financial and economic resources; and oversee the country’s public investment program. 

It shall also generate and provide impartial, objective and evidence-based analyses and recommendations for the socioeconomic betterment of the nation.

The DEPDEV shall be headed by a secretary to be appointed by the President of the Philippines, subject to confirmation by the Commission on Appointments. 

The secretary shall serve as the country’s chief economist and advise the President and the members of the Cabinet on matters on national and subnational economic and social development, as well as provide regular reports on the state of the economy and challenges ahead. 

The bill would repeal for the purpose Executive Order (EO) No.230, series of 1987, and amend EO No.292, series of 1987. 

Among its authors are Tarlac Rep. Christian Tell Yap, Albay Rep. Joey Salceda, Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, Marikina City Rep. Stella Luz Quimbo, Camarines Norte Reps. Luis Raymund “LRay” Villafuerte and Miguel Luis Villafuerte.