Reelected Senator Imee Marcos on Tuesday, May 27 said the newly established Department of Economic Planning and Development (DEPDev) must take the lead in crafting the proposed 2026 national budget, not Congress. 

Formerly known as the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), DEPDev, Marcos said, should not just be setting macro economic assumptions, but must actively participate in the planning and formulation.

DEPDev was officially created through Republic Act 12145, which was presented to the public on May 22. 

Marcos, one of the principal authors of the measure in the Senate, said the transformation gives the agency a stronger mandate to steer the country’s economic direction through data-driven policies, long-term planning, and rigorous oversight of national projects.

“With this law, we hope to restore DEPDev as the lead agency in shaping the nation’s economic future,” said Marcos. 

“It should no longer be sidelined but must now take center stage in budget planning and economic strategy,” the Presidential sister said. 

She also stressed that DEPDev’s role must go beyond simply setting macroeconomic parameters. She said the agency should prohibit short-term political programs to dominate public spending. 

“The department should be at the core of the budget process—helping design how funds are allocated to truly address national priorities and long-term development goals,” she said.

“DEPDev should ensure that the 2026 budget moves away from temporary relief programs like AKAP, AICS, or TUPAD, and instead focus on structural reforms that can deliver real, lasting progress,” she added.

In November last year, the senator suggested merging the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) controversial Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) and Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS).