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FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
(JpF‘,C; 
”. 
Second Regular Session 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
SENATE 
9 KAY 11 P5:05 
Senate Bill No. 3225 
r$rriy:\,Irt-! 
7 . P  
Y 
Introduced by SENATOR EDGARDO J. ANGARA 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
In the past decades, development planning and development interventions in 
Mindanao were implemented in a fragmented manner. During that time, disintegrated and 
highly uneven development enveloped Mindanao as each region competed for scarce 
resources coming from Manila instead of complementing each other’s economic 
strengths. Mindanao was also seen in the past as a mere supplier of food and raw 
materials to the factories and bourgeoning cities of Manila and Cebu. 
There was no integrated development plan for the entire island. what was 
prevailing then were regional plans which promoted the economic development of each 
of the regions comprising Mindanao but not in their totality as an island economy. 
There was no mechanism that consolidates and integrates peace and development 
efforts in the island region. 
However, due to the formation of the BIMP-EAGA, Mindanao emerged as the 
front door of investments and trade to the East EAGA Region. 
The integration of Mindanao, which was built when Mindanao Economic 
Development Council (MEDCo) was created, has proven that an integrated, holistic, and 
Mindanao-wide approach to developing Mindanao is far more effective than the usual 
national-led and region-centric approach, which was what Mindanao had in the 70s and 
80s, and which only accentuated Mindanao’s fragmentation. A Mindanao-wide agency 
that sees through implementation of this transformation process, looks beyond the regions 
and integrates all development efforts at a Mindanao-wide level cannot be 
overemphasized. 
This bill seeks to address such need -to create a permanent institution that will 
ensure that the Mindanao’s Agenda is within the prism of national government priorities. 
Hence, an expeditious passage of the bill is earnestly sought. 
EDGA .s.i.,HL 
0 
NGARA 


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?-- 
FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
Jbt. I i > 
Second Regular Session 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
9 MAY 11 P5 :84 
SENATE 
Senate Bill No. - 
5 
/ 
Introduced by SENATOR EDGARDO J. ANGARA 
AN ACT 
CREATING THE MINDANAO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 
(MEDA), DEFINING ITS POWERS AND FUNCTIONS, AND PROVIDING FUNDS 
THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enabled by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION. 1. 
Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Mindanao Economic 
Development Authority (MEDA) Act of 2009." 
SEC. 2. 
Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared a policy of the State to 
accelerate the socio-economic growth and development of Mindanao, by encouraging and 
increasing trade, tourism and investments, encouraging private enterprise, and advancing 
efforts towards peace and development. Towards this end, an effective institutional mechanism 
shall be established to address the need for a coordinative and integrative approach for the 
formulation and implementation of various Mindanao-wide, Mindanao-specific interregional 
development plans, programs and projects. The government shall furthermore undertake efforts 
to promote the active participation of Mindanao and Palawan in the Brunei Darussalam- 
Indonesia-Malaysia-the Philippines - East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA). 
SEC. 3. 
Creation of the Mindanao Economic Development Authority. - The 
Mindanao Economic Development Authority, hereinafter referred to as the Authority, is hereby 
created, which shall promote, coordinate, and facilitate the active and extensive participation of 
all sectors to effect the socio-economic development of Mindanao. It shall also act as an 
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implementing agency for Mindanao-specific interregional and Mindanao-wide programs and 
projects, whenever necessary. 
SEC. 4. Coverage. - The Authority shall cover all the provinces and cities of Regions 
IX, X, XI, XII, Caraga and Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). 
SEC. 5. Principal Office and Term. The Authority shall have its main office at Davao 
City. It may establish area management offices (AMOS) as it may deem necessary to achieve 
the objectives of this Act. The Authority shall have a term of fifty (50) years from the 
effectivity of this Act and renewable for the same period unless otherwise provided by law. 
SEC. 6. Powers and Functions of MEDA. - In the exercise of those activities which 
are Mindanao-wide and/or Mindanao-specific in character, the Authority shall have the 
following powers and functions: 
(a) Formulate an integrated development framework for Mindanao that is consistent 
with the peace initiatives of the national government; 
(b) Integrate, prioritize and program Mindanao-wide, interregional and region-specific 
programs, activities and projects with Mindanao-wide impact; 
(c) Advocate to the constituents of Mindanao, their elected representatives in 
Congress, and the National Government, national policies that will foster the 
integrated and balanced development of Mindanao; 
(d) Promote and facilitate investments in any field which would enhance the socio- 
economic development of Mindanao and uplift the living standards of the people 
and their socio-political activities in close coordination with agencies primarily 
mandated to undertake such function; 
(e) Explore sources for financing priority Mindanao-wide and/or Mindanao-specific 
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interregional programs, projects and activities; 
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(f) Coordinate and facilitate the extension of necessary planning, management, and 
technical assistance to prospective and existing investors, complementary and in 
support of agencies primarily mandated to execute such functions; 
(g) Establish a comprehensive and integrated databases on Mindanao and BIMP- 
EAGA necessary for planning and decision-making; 
(h) Monitor, evaluate and formulate recommendations on the implementation of 
Mindanao-wide and/or Mindanao-specific inter-regional development programs, 
activities and projects; 
(i) Act as the implementing agency, whenever necessary, for the accomplishment of 
Mindanao-specific interregional or Mindanao-wide programs and projects, 
including Official Development Assistance (ODA) projects, subject to such 
limitations prescribed by existing laws, rules, and regulations; 
(i) Provide strategic direction for Mindanao; 
(k) Oversee mega infrastructure programs and projects with Mindanao-wide impact 
such as the Mindanao Super Region Program; 
(1) Establish appropriate mechanisms to ensure the timely implementation of 
Mindanao-wide and Mindanao-specific interregional pro; ects, whenever necessary, 
including, but not limited to public-private partnership; 
(m) Review and recommend for approval by the NEDA Board such Mindanao-wide 
and Mindanao-specific inter-regional programs, projects, and plans by the national 
government and donor agencies subject to existing laws, rules and regulations; 
(n) Act as the official and permanent Philippine Coordinating Office for BIMP-EAGA 
(PCOBE) and as lead agency of the government in coordinating the formulation 
and implementation of policies and programs and monitoring of all activities 
related thereto; 
(0) Represent and strengthen the participatiqn of the Philippine focus areas for BIMP- 
EAGA which are Mindanao and Palawan: 
(p) Closely coordinate with the private sector in all policy deliberations concerning 
BIMP-EAGA: 
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(4) Act as a data bank for BIMP-EAGA and other related data by collecting, 
consolidating and processing data and analyzing the resulting information and 
thereafter disseminating the information gathered to various groups; 
(r) Initiate and coordinate the establishment of BIMP-EAGA desks in concerned 
national agencies, local government units and private enterprises; 
(s) Undertake advocacy for the adoptiodapproval of new policies or policy changes 
and the promotion of initiatives for the growth of the BIMP-EAGA; 
(t) Formulate and develop new plans and/or programs for the Philippine participation 
in the BIMP-EAGA based on the consensus of the BIMP-EAGA Clusters and 
Working Groups, and/or Heads of State, Signing Ministers and Senior Officials; 
(u) Initiate and facilitate sourcing of technical and other forms of assistance to BIMP- 
EAGA projectshnitiatives; 
(v) Monitor developments in the BIMP-EAGA and follow-through agreements 
entered into by the Philippine parties; 
(w) Ensure efficient and effective technical and administrative support services for the 
Philippines’ BIMP-EAGA operations and coordinate budgetary requirements for 
this purpose; 
(x) Engage or invest on or enter into joint venture with Filipino and foreign investors 
in such Mindanao-wide and/or interregional projects as it may deem proper and 
necessary or contributory to the economic development of Mindanao; 
(y) Receive and administer donations, contributions, grants, bequest or gifts in cash or 
in kind from foreign governments, international agencies, private entities, and 
other sonrces, including Official Development Assistance (ODA) agencies, for 
purposes that would contribute to the development of Mindanao, subject to 
existing laws, rules and regulations; 
(z) To sue and be sued, enter into contracts, acquire, purchase, hold, lease, transfer, 
dispose of property of any kind or nature necessary to carry out the purposes of 
this Act; 
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(aa) Discharge other functions which may be deemed necessary or as may be provided 
by law. 
The Authority, through the MEDA Chairperson, shall submit to the President and both 
Houses of Congress annual reports on its accomplishments and activities. 
SEC. I. chairperson. - 
The MEDA Chairperson, hereinafter referred to as the 
Chairperson, shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines with a cabinet rank and shall 
act as the Head of office. He/she shall serve a term of six (6) years from the date of his 
appointment unless removed for cause. He/she shall also be the Philippine Senior Official for 
BIMP-EAGA. He/she shall likewise be a member of the National Economic Development 
Authority (NEDA) Board. 
The Chairperson shall have the following duties and functions: 
(a) Call and preside at the meetings of the MEDA Advisory Board and see to it that 
the policies, programs, and rules and regulations developed and promulgated by it 
are implemented properly; 
(b) Call on development players in the formulation and implementation of a 
comprehensive and integrated development plan for Mindanao, investment 
programs including the preparation of a system of investment programming 
priorities, annual reports and other pertinent documents approved by MEDA; 
(c) Identify solutions to key issues and concerns taking into account related risks, 
affected parties and impact, in coordination with the Board and key stakeholders, 
whenever necessary; 
(d) Advocate the Authority’s work for Mindanao among the various concerned sectors 
and stakeholders; 
(e) Call on any agency, group, individual member of the Board, local government 
unit, and host community to address issues and concerns relating to 
implementation of major programs, projects and activities; 
(Q Supervise the monitoring and timely implementation of Mindanao-wide and/or 
Mindanao-specific inter-regional programs, projects and activities; 
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(g) Endorse to the MEDA Advisory Board all policy recommendations, plans, 
programs, and projects for approval; 
(h) Represent the MEDA Advisory Board in regular and Special Cabinet Meetings; 
(i) Convene the BIMP-EAGA Advisory Board to discuss issues and concerns, and 
recommend policies and programs to ensure the widest participation of Mindanao 
and Palawan in BIMP-EAGA; 
(i) Accept, in behalf of MEDA, donations, contributions, grants and bequests or gifts, 
in cash or in kind, from members, foreign governments, international offices, 
private entities or any individual for purposes that will realize the functions of the 
Authority; 
(k) Supervise administrative operations including disbursement of any fund of the 
MEDA subject to usual accounting and auditing procedures, and submit reports 
thereon; 
(1) 
Execute and administer the policies and measures approved by the MEDA 
Advisory Board; 
(m) Appoint all employees of the Authority, and remove, dismiss or otherwise 
discipline for cause, such employees in accordance with the standard guidelines for 
recruitment, employment, and discipline in the Civil Service Code; 
(n) Represent the Authority in all dealings with other offices, agencies, and 
instrumentalities of the Government and with all persons and entities, public or 
private; 
(0) Sign agreements andor contracts in behalf of the Authority, including those for 
expert and consultant services and other reports of accountabilities emanating 
from the Authority; 
(p) Perform such other functions that the MEDA Advisory Board may direct to carry 
out the provisions of this Act. 
SEC. 8. Executive Director - An Executive Director shall be appointed by the 
President of the Philippines upon recommendation by the Chairperson. Heishe shall possess the 
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requisite eligibilities for third (3rd) level career service position. He/she shall assist the 
Chairperson in carrying out the functions of Authority and shall likewise serve as the Secretary 
of the MEDA Advisory Board. 
SEC. 9. MEDA Advisory Board. - The Authority’s overall directions and thrusts shall 
be provided and approved, unless provided otherwise in this Act, by the MEDA Advisory 
Board, hereinafter referred to as the Board. It shall be composed of the following members: 
(a) The MEDA Chairperson; 
(b) The Chairpersons of the Regional Development Councils (RDCs) of Regions IX, 
X, XI, XI1 and XIII, and the Regional Economic Development and Planning 
Board (REDPB) of ARMM; 
(c) The Chairperson of the House Committee on Mindanao Affairs; 
(d) The Chairperson of the House Committee on BIMP-EAGA Affairs; 
(e) The Vice President for Mindanao of the Union of Local Authorities of the 
Philippines (ULAP); 
(9 The President of the Mindanao Confederation of Governors’, City Mayors’ and 
Municipal Mayors’ League Presidents; 
(8) The Administrator of the Southern Philippines Development Authority (SPDA); 
and, 
(h) The three (3) representatives from the Private Sector to be appointed by the 
President, upon the recommendation of the Chairperson and Board members, 
comprising of one representative each from the: 
i. Mindanao Business Sector 
ii. Mindanao Academe Sector 
iii. Mindanao Non-Government Organization (NGO) Sector 
Members of the Board shall receive a per diem of not more than Five Thousand Pesos 
(P5,OOO) for every board meeting: Provided, however, that the per diem collected per month 
does not exceed the equivalent of four (4) meetings. Provided, further, that the amount of per 
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2a 
diem for every board meeting may be increased by the President but such amount shall not be 
increased within two (2) years after its last increase. 
The Board shall have the following functions: 
(a) Provide direction and guidance for the Authority’s work and thrusts for Mindanao; 
(b) Ensure that the goals and policies of the Authority are consistent with the overall 
national development goals and objectives; 
(c) Ensure that the programs of the Authoity are consistent with regional and local 
development plans, program and projects, and vice versa for purposes of 
harmonization; 
(d) Explore sources for financing of priority Mindanao-wide andior Mindanao-specific 
i 
inter-regional plans, programs, projects and activities; 
(e) Create committeedtask forces as may be 
deemed necessary in the 
accomplishments of its duties and functions; 
(f) Determine schedules, establish voting procedures, criteria for the constitution of a 
quorum, and other rules and regulations in the conduct of Board meetings; and 
(8) Perform such other functions as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this 
Act. 
SEC. 10. Executive Committee. - The Board shall constitute an Executive Committee, 
hereinafter referred to as the Execom, from among its membership to act, for and on its behalf 
when the Board is not in session, on urgent matters as may be deemed necessary by the 
Chairperson. To ensure inter-regional representation and participation, the following shall 
comprise the Execom: 
(a) 
The MEDA Chairperson 
(b) 
(c) 
(d) 
The Chairpersons of the RDCs and REDPB 
The Representative from the Mindanao Business Sector 
The Representative from the Mindanao Non-Government Organization (NGO) 
Sector. 
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The Executive Director, as the Board Secretary, shall provide technical assistance to the 
ExeCom. 
SEC. 11. BIMP-EAGA Advisory Board. There is hereby constituted a BIMP-EAGA 
Advisory Board to be composed of the following: 
(a) MEDA Chairperson as Head; 
(b) Chairpersons of the RDCs of Regions IX, X, XI, XI1 and XIII, and REDPB of 
ARMM; 
(c) City Mayor of Puerto Princesa; 
(d) Provincial Governor of Palawan; and, 
(e) Two Philippine Country Representatives to the BIMP-EAGA Business Council 
(BEBC). 
The BIMP-EAGA Board shall convene, from time to time, to discuss issues and 
recommend policies and programs to ensue the widest participation of Mindanao and Palawan 
in the activities of BIMP-EAGA. It shall make recommendations to the Chairperson, being the 
Head of the PCOBE. The PCOBE, in consultation with the BIMP-EAGA Board, will draw up 
its own procedures for making recommendations, finalizing decisions and overseeing 
implementation of BIMP-EAGA activities in Mindanao and Palawan. 
SEC. 12. Organizational Structure. - The Chairperson shall determine the 
organizational structure, staffing pattern, and pay scales of the Authority subject to existing 
civil service and compensation laws. The Chairperson may reorganize the Authority and may 
create or abolish divisions, units, or branches therein as the exigencies of the affairs of the 
Authority may require. 
SEC. 13. Transitory Provision - The Mindanao Economic Development Council 
(MEDCo), created under Executive Order 512, and Executive Order 244, as amended, is 
hereby abolished. 
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The unexpended appropriations of the abovementioned agency are hereby transferred 
to MEDA including its existing records, properties, equipment, facilities and other assets. 
The MEDA shall absorb the existing plantilla positions and incumbent staff of MEDCo 
who shall continue to perform their respective duties and responsibilities and receive the 
corresponding salaries and benefits, in the fulfillment of the powers and functions of MEDA. 
SEC. 14. Appropriations.- The amount necessary to finance the initial implementation 
of this Act shall be charged against the current year’s appropriations of the Mindando 
Economic Development Council (MEDCo). Thereafter, the current budget shall be increased 
by loo%, which amount shall be included in the Annual General Appropriations Act (GAA) 
for its continued implementation. 
The current appropriations of MEDCo shall be transferred to the Mindanao Economic 
Development Authority to commence its activities. 
SEC. 15. 
Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and 
regulations, or parts thereof inconsistent with or contrary to the provisions of this Act are 
hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
SEC. 16. 
Separability Clause. - If any part or provision of this Act is held 
unconstitutional or invalid, other parts or provisions thereof, which are not affected, shall 
continue to remain in full force and effect. 
SEC. 17. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following completion 
of its publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved, 
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