NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Second Regular Session
fSi TIME:
BILLS & INDEX
SENATE
S. B. No. 2483
Introduced by Senator Joseph Victor G. Ejercito
AN ACT
REORGANIZING THE NATIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, 
REPEALING FOR THE PURPOSE EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 230 SERIES OF 1987 
AND AMENDING EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 292 SERIES OF 1987 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Economy, Planning and Development Act is a pivotal piece of legislation 
that lays the foundation for economic and social progress for our country. It 
underscores the importance of a fair and just distribution of opportunities, income, 
and wealth among the citizens.
By striving for sustained growth in the production of goods and services, this 
measure aims to help propel the nation's economy forward through economic 
expansion which has the potential to generate employment, elevate living standards, 
and enhance the overall quality of life for all Filipinos.
Acknowledging that elevated productivity is important for enhancing people's 
quality of life, this measure gives preference to strategies aimed at enhancing 
efficiency and output in different sectors. Heightened productivity is often synonymous 
with economic prosperity and higher incomes.
On that note, this measure serves as the cornerstone for equitable and 
sustainable progress in the Philippines. Its emphasis on equitable distribution, 
economic growth, and productivity improvement reflects a dedication to enhancing 
the well-being of all citizens and harnessing the nation's resources efficiently for the


common good. Not only does it align with constitutional principles, but it also provides 
a structured framework for effective national planning and development.
The proposed measure aims to established an Economy and Planning (EP) 
Council which is mandated to direct the formulation and implementation of policies, 
plans, and programs that promote economic development, approve policies, 
development plans, programs, and projects, approve proposed cost threshold and 
other criteria for priority programs and projects, approve the level of annual 
government expenditures and issue rules and regulations necessary for the 
effective discharge of the powers and functions vested on the EP Council.
Moreover, under the proposed measure, the National Economic 
Development Authority (NEDA) shall be reorganized as the government's primary 
economic and planning agency and shall be known as the Department of Economy, 
Planning, and Development. It shall function as the primary policy, planning, 
coordinating, and administrative entity of the Executive Branch of government on the 
national economy.
In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is urgently sought.
JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Second Regular Session
TIME;
BILLS & INDEX
SENATE 
S.B. No.
Introduced by Senator Joseph Victor G. Ejercito
AN ACT
REORGANIZING THE NATIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, 
REPEALING FOR THE PURPOSE EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 230 SERIES OF 1987 
AND AMENDING EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 292 SERIES OF 1987 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
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CHAPTER I
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TITLE AND DECLARATION OF POLICY
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Section 1. Short Tide. - This Act shali be known as the "Economy, Planning and
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Development Act."
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Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - The State recognizes that, pursuant to Section
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1, Article XII of the Constitution, the goals of the national economy are a more
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equitable distribution of opportunities, income and wealth; a sustained increase in the
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amount of goods and services produced by the nation for the benefit of the people;
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and an expanding productivity as the key to raising the quality of life for all, especially
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the underprivileged.
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The State recognizes that, pursuant to Section 9, Article XII of the 1987
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Philippine Constitution, the Congress may establish an independent economic and
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planning agency headed by the President of the Philippines, which shall, after
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consultations with the appropriate public agencies, various private sectors, and local


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government units, recommend to Congress, and implement continuing integrated and
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coordinated programs and policies for national development.
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CHAPTER II
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ECONOMY AND PLANNING COUNCIL
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Sec. 3. Economy and Planning Council. - There shall be established an Economy
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and Planning Council, headed by the President of the Philippines, hereafter referred
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to as the EP Council. The EP Council shall serve as the executive collegial body
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responsible for directing and providing overall policy direction on economic matters to
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achieve inclusive and sustainable economic growth and development.
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Sec. 4. Composition of the EP Council. - The EP Council shall be composed of
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the following:
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Chairperson: 
The President
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Vice-chairperson: 
Secretary, Department of Economy, Planning and
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Development, established pursuant to Section 17 of this Act, hereinafter referred to
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as DEPDEV
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Members: 
Executive Secretary
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Secretary, Department of Budget and Management (DBM)
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Secretary, Department of Education (DepEd)
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Secretary, Department of Energy (DOE)
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Secretary, Department of Finance (DOF)
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Secretary, Department of Human Settlements and Urban
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Development (DHSUD)
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Secretary, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)
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Secretary, Department of Public Works and Highways
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(DPWH)
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Secretary, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)
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Secretary, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Chief
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Minister, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim
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Mindanao
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The Governor of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas or his or her duly authorized
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representative shall sit in the meetings of the EP Council as a resource person.


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The President or the EP Council may invite the participation of other heads of
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departments and agencies as resource persons, as it deems necessary.
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The President may, however, revise the membership of the EP Council whenever
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the same is deemed necessary for the effective performance of the Council's
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functions.
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Sec. 5. Powers and Functions of the EP Council. - The EP Council shall have
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the following powers and functions:
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(a) Direct the formulation and implementation of policies, plans, and
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programs that promote economic development and address development
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concerns of national importance;
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(b) Approve policies, development plans, programs, and projects consistent
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with the policies set by the President, as may be endorsed by the
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Committees of the EP Council;
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(c) Approve proposed cost threshold and other criteria for priority programs
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and projects, except those provided by laws, rules, and regulations;
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(d) Approve the level of annual government expenditures, as well as
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projections, forecast, resource requirement, and the ceiling of
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government spending; and
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(e) Issue rules and regulations necessary for the effective discharge of the
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powers and functions vested on the EP Council.
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Sec. 6. Committees of the EP Council. - The EP Council shall have committees
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that shall act as its primary advisory bodies. These Committees shall be the main
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coordinating mechanism that ensures that the policy environment is conducive to the
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promotion of inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
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The following Committees shall assist the EP Council in the performance of its
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functions:
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(a) Development Budget Coordination Committee;
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(b) Investment Coordination Committee;
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(c) Social Development Committee;
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(d) Infrastructure Committee;
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(e) Tariff and Related Matters Committee; and,
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(f) National Land Use Committee.


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The DEPDEV shall serve as the Secretariat to all Committees, unless otherwise
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provided in this Act.
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The President may revise the membership and reorganize the structures and
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functions of the Committees, and establish new committees, as deemed necessary.
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The Committees may invite the participation of other heads of departments
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and agencies, or other resource persons, as necessary.
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The Committees may create their respective subcommittees which will provide
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technical support on matters within their mandate and which require their appropriate
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action. The technical subcommittees shall be composed of duly designated
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representatives of the same member agencies, preferably Undersecretaries or their
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equivalent. Unless the Committees resolve otherwise, the existing technical
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committees under the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board
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Inter-Agency Committees shall be retained.
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Each Committee shall formulate their respective rules and regulations which
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will govern procedures before their respective bodies, in accordance with applicable
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laws.
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Sec. 7. Meetings. - The EP Council shall regularly meet on a quarterly basis,
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or as frequently as necessary. A special meeting of the EP Council may be convened
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by the President to address urgent concerns, emergencies, and other extraordinary
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circumstances. In cases where the President is unable to attend, the Secretary of
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the DEPDEV shall preside unless the President designates another Council member
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to preside over such meeting.
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The DEPDEV shall maintain and preserve a complete record of the
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proceedings and deliberations of the EP Council, including the recording and
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transcripts, either in their original form, or in any secure format made available by
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existing technology.
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Sec. 8. Full Disclosure Rule. - In addition to the requirements of Republic Act
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No. 6713, otherwise known as the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public
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Officials and Employees, any member of the EP Council with personal and
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pecuniary interest in any matter in the agenda shall disclose the interest to the
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Council and shall withdraw from the meeting when the matter will be taken up.


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The minutes shall reflect the disclosure made and the withdrawal of the member
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concerned from the subject meeting.
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Sec. 9, Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC). - The DBCC shall
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initially be composed of the Secretaries of the DBM, DEPDEV, DOF, and the Executive
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Secretary. The Governor of the Bangko Sentral ng Piiipinas or his or her duiy
6 
authorized representative shall sit in the meetings of the DBCC as a resource person.
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The Secretaries of the DBM and DEPDEV shall serve as the chairperson and
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vice-chairperson of the DBCC, respectively.
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The DBCC shall recommend for final approval of the President
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(a) The level of annual government expenditures and the ceiling of
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government spending for economic and social development, national
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defense, and government debt service;
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(b) The budget to be allocated for current operating expenditures and capital
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outlays of government programs and projects;
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(c) A strategic multi-year fiscal program which supports the long-term and
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medium-term development objectives of the country; and
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(d) A domestic and foreign borrowing program for general financing and
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development purposes; and,
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(e) Conduct periodic review of fiscal and macroeconomic targets, and the
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revenue and expenditure projections of the government, including
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general examination of cost, accomplishments and performance
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standards applied in undertaking development projects.
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The DBM shall serve as the Secretariat for the DBCC.
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Sec. 10. Infrastructure Committee (InfraCom). - The InfraCom shall initially
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be composed of the Secretaries of the DA, DBM, DENR, DEPDEV, DILG, DOE, DOF,
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DOTr, DPWH, DTI, Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Information and
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Communications Technology (DICT), and the Executive Secretary. The Secretaries
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of the DEPDEV and DPWH shall serve as co-chairpersons of the InfraCom.
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The InfraCom shall have the following functions:
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(a) Recommend to the President a national infrastructure development
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strategy, and necessary government policies, programs and projects


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concerning infrastructure development 
consistent 
with national
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development objectives and priorities;
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(b) Advise the President and the EP Council on all matters concerning
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infrastructure development; and
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(c) Coordinate the activities of agencies, including government-owned and
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controlled corporations involved in infrastructure development.
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Sec. 11. Investment Coordination Committee (ICC). - The ICC shall initially
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be composed of the Secretaries of the DBM, DEPDEV, DOE, DOF, DTI, and the
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Executive Secretary. The Governor of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas or his or her
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duly authorized representative shall sit in the meetings of the ICC as a resource
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person.
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The Secretaries of the DOF and DEPDEV shall serve as the co-chairpersons of
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the ICC.
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The ICC shall have the following functions:
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(a) Ensure the efficient and effective evaluation of major capital programs
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and projects of the country by determining levels of acceptability and
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viability relative to overall economic and fiscal conditions of the country;
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(b) Recommend for the approval by the President or the EP Council, as the
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case may be:
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i. The timetable of the implementation of major capital programs and
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projects on a regular basis;
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ii. Public-private partnerships, privatization, and other funding options
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to augment government's financing capacity;
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iii. Modalities of development financing and capital market development
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in support of long-term programs and projects for both national and
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local government, and GOCCs; and
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iv. Specific major programs and projects found viable in terms of
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economic and social benefits.
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(c) Submit to the President a status of the fiscal, monetary and balance of
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payment (BOP) implications of major capital and infrastructure programs
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and projects.


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(d) Advise the President on matters reiated to the domestic and foreign
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borrowings program in relation to major capitai and infrastructure
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projects requiring approval by the ICC.
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Sec. 12. Soda! Development Committee (SDC). - The SDC shall initially be
5 
composed of the Secretaries of the DA, DBM, DEPDEV, DEPED, DOLE, DHSUD,
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DILG, DSWD, Department of Heaith (DOH), and Department of Migrant Workers
7 
(DMW) and the Executive Secretary. The Secretaries of the DOLE and DEPDEV shaii
8 
serve as the co-chairpersons of the SDC.
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The SDC shaii have the foilowing functions:
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(a) Recommend for final approval of the EP Council appropriate policies,
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programs, and projects on social development, including education,
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human resources, health and nutrition, population and famiiy pianning,
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sociai protection, housing, human settiements. Overseas Fiiipino Workers,
14 
and other vuinerable sectors;
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(b) Coordinates the activities of government agencies concerned with social
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development; and,
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(c) Advise the President and EP Council on matters concerning social
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development and delivery of social services.
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Sec. 13. Tariff and Related Matters Committee (TRMC). - The TRMC shaii
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be composed of the Secretaries of the DA, DBM, DEPDEV, DFA, DICT, DOF DOLE,
21 
and DTI, the Executive Secretary, and the Chairpersons of the Tariff Commission
22 
and Philippine Competition Commission. The Governor of the Bangko Sentral ng
23 
Piiipinas or his or her duiy authorized representative shaii sit in the meetings of
24 
the TRMC as a resource person.
25 
The Secretaries of the DTI and DEPDEV shaii serve as the co-chairpersons of
26 
the TRMC.
27 
The TRMC shaii discharge the foilowing functions:
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(a) Recommend to the President a continuous rationaiization poiicy and
29 
program for the country's tariff structure;
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(b) Advise the President and EP Councii on tariff and non-tariff matters as
31 
well various international developments and its effect on the country; and


1 
(c) Coordinate government agency positions and recommend national
2 
positions for international economic negotiations.
3 
Sec. 14. National Land Use Committee (NLUC). -The NLUC shall initially be
4 
composed of the Secretaries of the DA, DAR, DEPDEV, DENR, DHSUD, DILG,
5 
DPWH, and, one representative of the ULAP.
6 
The Secretaries of the DEPDEV and DILG shall serve as the chairperson and
7 
vice-chairperson of the NLUC, respectively.
8 
The NLUC shall discharge the following functions:
9 
(a) Advise the President and EP Council on matters concerning land use and
10 
physical planning;
11 
(b) Integrate and harmonize guidelines and policies relevant to land use and
12 
spatial planning;
13 
(c) Recommend for final approval of the EP Council the national and sub-
14 
national framework for physical planning;
15 
(d) Resolve disputes concerning land use and spatial planning;
16 
(e) Formulate a national physical framework plan (NPFP), shepherd the
17 
preparation of sub-national spatial development and physical frameworks
18 
and come up with other inter-sectoral policies and programs that guide
19 
the rational use and management of the country's land and other physical
20 
resources. The NFPP shall have a timeframe of thirty (30) years with
21 
regular review and updating every ten (10) years;
22 
(f) Promote and ensure the integration of land use and spatial planning policies,
23 
plans and programs, including disaster risk management and climate change
24 
adaptation and mitigation, into national and sub-national socio-economic
25 
plans and programs;
26 
(g) Coordinate the establishment of an up-to-date, interoperable and
27 
accessible national database system which would identify and classify the
28 
present and possible uses of specific land resources; and,
29 
(h) Assess periodically the impacts or effects of land use policies which have
30 
been adopted and implemented.


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Sec. 15. Abolition of the Regional Development Committee (RDCom). - The
2 
RDCom created by virtue of Executive Order No. 257, series of 2003 is hereby
3 
abolished.
4 
Sec. 16. Regional Development Council (RDC). - Regional Development
5 
Councils shall remain to be the regional counterparts of the EP Council. Except as
6 
otherwise provided in this Act, the provisions of Executive Order No. 325, series of
7 
1996 shall continue to apply in respect of the composition and functions of the RDCs,
8 
and qualifications for appointments thereto.
9
10 
CHAPTER III
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DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMY, PLANNING, AND DEVELOPMENT
12
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Sec. 17. Reorganization of the National Economic and Development Authority
14 
(NEDA). -The NEDA is hereby reorganized as the government's primary economic and
15 
planning agency, hereafter referred to as the Department of Economy, Planning, and
16 
Development (DEPDEV).
17 
Sec. 18. Mandate. - The DEPDEV shall be the primary policy, planning,
18 
coordinating, and administrative entity of the Executive Branch of government on the
19 
national economy. It shall formulate the country's continuing, integrated, and
20 
coordinated policies, plans, and programs for national development for approval by
21 
the EP Council; ensure the vertical and horizontal alignment and coherence of national
22 
and sub-national policies, plans, and programs towards optimal use of financial
23 
resources; and, oversee the country's public investment program.
24 
Sec. 19. Powers and Functions of the DEPDEV. - The DEPDEV shall have the
25 
following powers and functions:
26 
(a) Policy and planning
27 
i. Formulate the long-term vision and development framework as the
28 
basis for overall direction of government policies, programs, and
29 
projects;
30 
ii. Formulate the national and regional framework for physical and
31 
spatial planning to ensure the sustainable use of land and other
32 
physical resources, which support the development of agriculture.


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environment and natural resources, industry and services;
iii. 
Formulate national and sub-national development plans that set 
forth measurable goals, strategies, proposed policies, programs, and 
projects;
iv. 
Ensure consistency of national and sub-national, sectoral, and 
spatial plans and programs and monitor their respective 
implementations;
V. Recommend strategies, and priority programs, activities and projects 
for budget expenditure policies, in accordance with the long-term 
vision and development framework, and national and regional 
development plans;
Vi. Propose and review policies, plans and programs, for consideration 
of the appropriate EP Council Committee and/ or approval of the EP 
Council, as the case may be, to ensure these:
a. foster equitable and sustainable distribution of economic 
opportunities and benefits to Filipinos;
b. support the development of agriculture, industry, and services that 
achieve economic development goals and foster innovation, and 
are vital to equitable and sustainable growth;
c. advance national productivity, competition and competitiveness.
d. promote transparency, accountability, participatory governance, 
and strengthening of national and subnational public 
institutions; and,
e. improve policy and regulatory environment to reduce cost of 
doing business and improve ease of doing business;
vii. 
Conduct research and related studies for the formulation of policies, 
plans, programs, and projects; and
viii. Coordinate with autonomous and administrative regions in the 
conduct of planning activities affecting their respective regions.
(b) Investment programming
i. Ensure that development plans are translated into programs, 
activities, and projects;
10


1 
ii. Formulate and review the national and regional public investment
2 
program that identifies priority programs, activities, and projects;
3 
iii. Appraise and recommend programs and projects that are found
4 
viable in terms of economic and societal benefits; and
5 
iv. Adopt and implement appropriate evaluation measures and criteria
6 
to determine viability of programs and projects.
7 
(c) Monitoring and evaiuation
8 
i. Formulate annual reports that monitor the implementation of
9 
national and sub-national development plans;
10 
ii. Monitor and assess the progress of implementation of priority
11 
programs and projects; and
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iii. Assess the impacts and outcomes of priority programs and projects.
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(d) Establish and implement a capacity building program on development
14 
planning for national, regional, and local planners;
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(e) Undertake scenario planning exercises, anticipating future trends or
16 
discontinuities, and recommend responsive measures to the President and
17 
the Congress, as may be appropriate; and,
18 
(f) The DEPDEV shall provide technical and secretariat support to the EP Council
19 
and its Committees, as may be provided in this Act.
20 
(g)The DEPDEV shall serve as Secretariat to the RDCs pursuant to Executive
21 
Order No. 325, series of 1996, National Innovation Council pursuant to
22 
Republic Act No. 11293, Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council
23 
pursuant to Republic Act No. 7640, and such other inter-agency committees,
24 
boards or councils, as may be provided by law.
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Sec. 20. Visioning. - The DEPDEV shall formulate a long-term vision,
26 
hereinafter referred to as the Vision, which embodies the long-term aspirations of all
27 
Filipinos. It shall be data-driven and evidence-based, encompassing all dimensions of
28 
economic, social, and environmental development. The Vision shall undergo a periodic
29 
review in consideration of changing aspirations and preferences.
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Sec. 21. Long-term Deveiopment Framework. -The DEVDEP shaii formulate
31 
the country's long-term development framework, hereinafter referred to as the
32 
Framework.
11


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The Framework is a high-level and broad strategy spanning twenty-five (25)
2 
years that shall guide the nation towards sustainable growth and development and
3 
the attainment of the Vision. It shall serve as a tool to coordinate, guide, and inform
4 
the preparation and consideration of future, more detailed national and subnational
5 
development plans, national and subnational public investment programs, and
6 
sectoral and inter-sectoral plans and programs. It shall embody the development goals
7 
and milestones to serve as basis for the overall direction of government policies,
8 
programs, and projects across political administrations. The initial long-term
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development framework shall cover the period ending 2050.
10 
Sec. 22. Philippine Development Plan and Regional Development Plans. - The
11 
DEPDEV, in consultation with public agencies, civil society organizations, non-
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government organizations, people's organizations, academe, private sector, and
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LGUs, shall formulate within six (6) months from the assumption of office of the
14 
President of the Philippines, a national economic and development blueprint, known
15 
as the Philippine Development Plan, hereinafter referred to as the PDP, which shall be
16 
anchored on the Framework. The PDP shall establish a set of measurable goals and
17 
objectives with corresponding strategies, in terms of policies, programs, and projects,
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that shall be the basis for each political administration's pursuit of its economic and
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development agenda.
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At the subnational level, this shall be known as the Regional Development Plan,
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hereinafter referred to as the RDP, which shall be formulated by the DEVDEP Regional
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Offices within reasonable period after formulation of the PDP and in consultation with
23 
public agencies, civil society organizations, non-government organizations, people's
24 
organizations, the academe, the private sector, and local government units. The RDP
25 
shall be aligned with the PDP, defining the region's development direction. The PDP
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and the RDPs shall undergo a midterm review and updating in consideration of
27 
accomplishments, and emerging trends and developments.
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Sec. 23. Public Investment Program and Regional Development Investment
29 
Program. - The DEVDEP, in consultation with public agencies, shall formulate the
30 
Public Investment Program, hereinafter referred to as the PIP, which shall identify the
31 
priority programs, activities, and projects (PAPs) that are responsive to the sectoral
32 
goals and outcomes of the PDP, for implementation through national government
12


1 
funds or the General Appropriations Act (GAA), Officiai Development Assistance
2 
(ODA), Public- Private Partnership (PPP), joint ventures (JV), and other viable
3 
implementation and financing options. At the subnationai ievei, this shali be known as
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the Regionai Deveiopment Investment Program, hereinafter referred to as the RDIP,
5 
which shali be formuiated by the DEPDEV Regionai Offices in consultation with their
6 
respective RDCs.
7 
Sec. 24. Philippine Development Report and Regional Development Reports. -
8 
The DEPDEV and its Regional Offices shall formulate annually the Philippine
9 
Development Report (PDR) and Regional Development Reports (RDRs), respectively.
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The PDR and RDRs shall serve as monitoring reports on the implementation of the
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PDP and RDPs, respectiveiy. The resuits from such monitoring activities shali serve as
12 
inputs to poiicy and decision makers in the formuiation of poiicies, budgeting, and
13 
implementation of programs and projects. To this end, the PDRs and RDRs shaii
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contain the latest data and information pertaining to the goals, policies, and
15 
strategies, as specified in the PDP.
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Sec. 25. Stakeholder Engagement - In the discharge of these powers and
17 
functions, the DEPDEV shall undertake consultations with but not iimited to
18 
appropriate government agencies, civii society organizations, non-government
19 
organizations, people's organizations, academe, private sector, and local government
20 
units to incorporate their priority needs in the formuiation of policies, pians,
21 
programs and projects.
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Sec. 26. Composition of the DEPDEV. - The DEPDEV shali be headed by a
23 
Secretary. It shali be composed of the Office of the Secretary, the Offices of the
24 
Undersecretaries and Assistant Secretaries, technicai and sectorai staff, operations
25 
support staff, and Regionai Offices.
26 
Sec. 27. Secretary. - The Secretary shaii be appointed by the President, subject
27 
to the confirmation of the Commission on Appointments.
28 
The Secretary shaii have the following minimum qualifications: a citizen and
29 
resident of the Philippines; of good moral character; of recognized probity and
30 
independence; must have distinguished himseif/herself professionaily in public, civic,
31 
or academic service in the fieid of and preferabiy must have a Ph.D. in economics;
32 
must have been in the active practice of his/her profession for at ieast ten (10) years;
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and must not have been a losing candidate in the immediately preceding regular or 
special elections, within one year from such elections.
Sec. 28. Functions of the Secretary. - The Secretary shall have the following 
functions:
(a) Advise the President on matters of national and subnational economic and 
social development;
(b) Lead public discourse on the latest trends, strategic issues, futures thinking, 
and key developments and their relevant implications for the country;
(c) Provide executive direction and supervision over, and establish policies 
and standards for the efficient and effective operations of the DEPDEV;
(d) Exercise disciplinary powers over officers and employees of the DEPDEV 
in accordance with law, including their investigation and the designation 
of a committee or officer to conduct such investigation;
(e) Promuigate such ruies and reguiations as may be required to impiement 
the objectives of this Act and to implement the DEPDEV's mandate, 
objectives, and policies; and,
(f) Perform such other functions as may be provided by law or as may be 
assigned by the President.
Sec. 29. Undersecretaries and Assistant Secretaries. - The Secretary shall be 
assisted by at least five (5) Undersecretaries and at least five (5) Assistant Secretaries, 
who shall be appointed by the President upon recommendation of the Secretary.
The Secretary shall have the flexibility to determine the respective assignments 
of the Undersecretaries and Assistant Secretaries depending on the DEPDEV's strategic 
directions and/or on emerging development trends affecting the country's economy.
Sec. 30. Organizationai Structure and Staffing. - The organizational structure 
and staffing shall be determined by the DEPDEV, and shall be submitted to the DBM 
for approval . As such, the Secretary of the DEPDEV may reorganize and/ or create 
different groups within the DEPDEV and appoint staff to carry out its mandate, subject 
to the existing laws, roles, regulations, and guidelines on position classification and 
compensation structure. Unless a new organizational structure and staffing plan is 
submitted to and approved by the DBM, the DEPDEV shall retain the existing 
organizational structure of the NEDA.
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Sec. 31. DEPDEV Regional Offices. - The DEPDEV shall establish, operate, and 
maintain a regionai office in ali the different regions of the country, except the National 
Capital Region and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Each 
regionai office shail be headed by a Regionai Director, who shall be assisted by an 
Assistant Regional Director. The DEPDEV Regional Offices shall discharge the 
functions of the DEPDEV, as appiicable, at the regionai ievel.
In addition to the functions as specified in other sections of this Act, the DEPDEV 
Regional Offices shall have the following functions:
(a) Ensure that regional and local development priorities are aligned with the 
national plans;
(b) Oversee the integration of plans and programs of regional agencies, state 
universities and colleges (SUCs), special development bodies, and local 
government units (LGUs) into the regional and national plans. The DECON 
Regional Offices shall provide assistance to regionai line agencies, LGUs, 
SUCs and speciai development bodies in identifying and developing 
programs and projects;
(c) Evaluate and review proposed policies, land use plans, programs and 
projects in the region;
(d) Monitor and evaiuate the implementation of pians, policies, programs and 
projects;
(e) Provide technical and secretariat support to their respective RDC;
(f) Undertake research and ensure knowiedge utilization for regionai 
deveiopment and productivity; and
(g) Provide technical assistance to development partners in the region in 
accordance with the DEPDEV's functions.
Sec. 32. Attached Agencies. - The agencies currently attached to NEDA shall 
hereafter be attached to the DEPDEV and shall continue to operate and function in 
accordance with their respective charters, laws, rules and regulations, or orders 
creating them, except as otherwise provided in this Act, the Administrative Code of 
1987, and subsequent laws.
The following agencies shail be attached to the DEPDEV for purposes of 
supervision:
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(a) Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) created pursuant to
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Presidential Decree 1201 dated September 26, 1977;
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(b) Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) created
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pursuant Executive Order No. 635, series of 1980; and
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(c) Tariff Commission (TC) created pursuant to Republic Act No. 10863.
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The following agencies shall be attached to the DEPDEV for purposes of policy
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coordination:
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(a) Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) created pursuant to Republic Act No.
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10625; and
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(b) Philippine Statistical Research and Training Institute (PSRTI) created
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pursuant to Republic Act No. 10625.
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The Commission on Population and Development (CPD), created pursuant to
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Republic Act No. 6365 dated August 15, 1971, shall be attached to the DEPDEV for
14 
purposes of policy and program coordination.
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The Public-Private Partnership Center of the Philippines (PPPC), created pursuant
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Executive Order No. 8, series of 2010, as amended by Executive Order No. 136, series
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of 2013, shall be attached to the DEPDEV for budgetary purposes and administrative
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supervision.
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CHAPTER IV
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TRANSITORY AND OTHER MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
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Sec. 33. Transitory Provision. - The DEPDEV shall, by virtue of this Act, be
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subrogated to all the rights and assume all the liabilities of NEDA, and all of its funds,
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records, property, assets, equipment, and such personnel as necessary, including
26 
unexpended appropriations and/or allocations. All contracts and liabilities of NEDA are
27 
hereby transferred to and assumed by the DEPDEV and shall be acted upon in
28 
accordance with the Auditing Code and other pertinent laws, rules, and regulations.
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Subject to the succeeding section, all current officials and employees of NEDA shall
30 
be retained under and absorbed by the DEPDEV.
31 
Any reference to NEDA or to the Director-General or Secretary of NEDA and the
32 
NEDA Board in any existing law. Executive Order, Administrative Order, or Presidential
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Proclamation, rules and regulations, and other issuances with respect to any duty or
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function assumed by the DEPDEV as created in this Act, shall be deemed hereafter to
3 
be referenced to the DEPDEV or to the Secretary of Economy, Planning, and
4 
Development, and EP Council, respectively.
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The procedure under prevailing laws, rules and regulations, guidelines, and
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issuances at the time of submission or endorsement to the DEPDEV and EP Council,
7 
respectively, shall apply to all programs and projects submitted to NEDA for appraisal
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and/or those endorsed by the current Investment Coordination Committee for NEDA
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Board approval prior the effectivity of this Act.
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Sec. 34. Absorption or Separation from Service of Empioyees of NEDA. — The
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NEDA employees who are separated from service as a result of the consolidation and
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reorganization under the provisions of this Act, shall be entitled to the following
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applicable separation incentives:
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(a) one-half (1/2) of the actual monthly basic salary for every year of service, for
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those who have rendered less than eleven (11) years of service;
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(b) three-fourths (3/4) of the actual monthly basic salary for every year of
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service, computed starting from the first year, for those who have rendered
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eleven (11) to less than twenty-one (21) years of service;
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(c) the actual monthly basic salary for every year of service, computed starting
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from the first year, for those who have rendered twenty-one (21) to less than
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thirty-one (31) years of service; or,
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(d) one and one-fourth (1 V4) of the actual monthly basic salary for every year of
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service, computed starting from the first year, for those who have rendered
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thirty-one (31) years of service and above.
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The NEDA employers who opt to retire under existing retirement laws shall be
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entitled to the above incentives in addition to the retirement benefits to which they
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may be entitled under applicable laws and issuances: provided that the personnel who
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avails of the separation incentives under this Act shall not be re-employed in any
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agency of the executive branch for a period of five (5) years except as a teaching or
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medical staff in educational institutions and hospitals respectively: provided further
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that retired or separated personnel who are re-employed within the prohibited period
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shall refund the separation incentives received on a pro-rated basis.
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For purposes of this additional separation incentives, the actual monthly basic
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salary shall refer to the salary of the affected personnel as of the date of approval of
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the department's organizational structure and staffing pattern of the DBM.
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The personnel who are not absorbed shall be separated from the service and
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shall be allowed to receive the corresponding retirement and separation benefits under
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applicable laws and regulations. The separation pay authorized herein shall be charged
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against the available funds of the DEPDEV, and such other funding sources that the
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DBM may identify subject to the existing budgeting, accounting, and auditing laws,
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rules and regulations.
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Sec. 35. Other Benefits of Retired Personnel. -The affected personnel who shall
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retire or are separated from the service shall, in addition to the applicable benefits
12 
abovementioned, be entitled to the following:
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(a) Refund of PAGIBIG contributions, both personal and government,
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pursuant to existing rules and regulations of the home development
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mutual fund; and
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(b) commutation of unused vacation and sick leave credits of the affected
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personnel in accordance with existing rules and regulations.
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Sec. 36. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to cover the initial
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Implementation of this Act shall be charged against the current year's
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appropriations of NEDA. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the
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effective and continuous implementation of this Act shall be included in the annual
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General Appropriations Act.
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Sec. 37. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within one hundred twenty
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(120) days from the effectivity of this Act, the DEPDEV shall promulgate the rules
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and regulations, necessary for the proper implementation of the provisions of this
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Act. The implementing rules and regulations shall take effect fifteen (15) days after
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the completion of its publication in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
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Within three (3) days from its effectivity date, three (3) certified copies of the
29 
published implementing rules and regulations shall be furnished to the University
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of the Philippines Office of the Law Center pursuant to Book VII, Chapter 2, Section
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3 of the Administrative Code of 1987.
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The delay in the promulgation or publication of the implementing rules and
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regulations shall not defer the effectivity and implementation of this Act.
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Sec. 38. Separability Clause. - If any provision or portion of this Act is declared
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unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or any provision not thereby affected
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shall remain in full force and effect.
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Sec. 39. Repealing Clause. - Executive Order No. 230, series of 1987, and
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Chapters 1, 2, 3, and 4, Subtitle C, Title II, Book V of Executive Order No. 292,
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Series of 1987, Executive Order No. 257, series of 2003; and Executive Orders No.
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770 and 770-A, series of 2008 are hereby repealed. All laws, decrees, executive
9 
orders, ordinances, rules, regulations, and other issuances, or parts thereof, which
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are inconsistent with any provision of this Act, are hereby repealed, amended, and/
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or modified accordingly.
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Sec. 40. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
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publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,
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