EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
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REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
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First Regular Session 
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SENATE
S. No. 1402
20 f1AR-4 P6 52
REc:
Prepared and submitted jointly by the Committees on Economic Affairs, Civil Service, 
Government Reorganization and Professional Regulation, and Finance 
with Senators Gatchalian and Marcos as authors thereof
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AN ACT
CREATING THE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC PLANNING AND 
DEVELOPMENT, DEFINING ITS POWERS AND FUNCTIONS, 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
CHAPTER I 
CREATION OF THE
DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
ARTICLE I 
TITLE AND POLICY
SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Department of 
Economic Planning and Development."
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. -The State recognizes that, pursuant to Section 
9, Article XII of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, the Congress may establish an 
independent economic and planning agency headed by the President of the 
Philippines, which shall, after consultations with the appropriate public agencies, 
various private sectors, and local government units, recommend to Congress, and 
implement continuing integrated and coordinated programs and policies for national


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development.
The State recognizes that, pursuant to Section 1, Article XII of the Constitution, 
the goals of the national economy are a more equitable distribution of opportunities, 
income and wealth; a sustained increase in the amount of goods and services 
produced by the nation for the benefit of the people; and an expanding productivity 
as the key to raising the quality of life for all, especially the underprivileged.
ARTICLE II
DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT-
SEC. 3. Creation of the Department of Economics and Pianning. - There is 
hereby created a Department of Economic Planning and Development, hereafter 
referred to as DEPD.
SEC. 4. Mandate. - DEPD shall be the policy, planning, coordinating, 
implementing, and administrative entity of the Executive Branch of government on 
economic planning and development. It shall formulate the country's continuing, 
integrated, and coordinated policies, plans, and programs for national development 
and oversee the country's public investment program.
SEC. 5. Powers and Functions. DEPD shall have the following powers and 
functions:
I. Policy and Planning
a. Formulate the long-term development framework as the basis for 
overall direction of government policies, programs, and projects;
b. Formulate the national and regional framework for physical and 
spatial planning to ensure the sustainable use of land and other 
physical resources;
c. Formulate national, inter-regional, regional and provincial 
development plans that set forth measurable goals, strategies, 
proposed policies, programs, and projects;


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d. Ensure consistency of national, inter-regional, regional and provincial 
sectoral, and spatial plans and programs and monitor their respective 
implementations;
e. Recommend the priorities for budget expenditure policies including 
sectoral and regional allocations;
f. Propose and review policies to achieve economic development goals 
and foster innovation;
g. Conduct research, surveys, and related studies for the formuiation of 
policies, plans, programs, and projects; and
h. Coordinate with autonomous and administrative regions in the 
conduct of planning activities affecting their respective regions.
II. Investment Programming
a. Formulate and review the national and regional public investment 
program that identifies priority programs, activities, and projects;
b. Adopt and implement appropriate evaluation measures and criteria to 
determine viability of programs and projects;
c. Appraise and recommend programs and projects that are found 
viable;
d. Monitor and assess the progress of implementation of priority 
programs and projects; and
e. Assess the impacts and outcomes of priority programs and projects.
III. Capacity Building of Development Planners
a. Establish and implement a capacity building program on development 
planning for national, regional, and local planners; and
b. Provide technical assistance on the localization of national 
development strategies.
IV. Secretariat Support
a. Provide technical and secretariat support to the Economics and Planning 
Council and its Committees, Regional Development Councils, National 
Innovation Council, and Legislative-Executive Development Advisory 
Council.


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SEC. 6. Composition of DEPD. - DEPD shall be headed by a Secretary. The
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Department Proper shall be composed of the Office of the Secretary, the Offices of
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the Undersecretaries and Assistant Secretaries, technical and sectoral staffs,
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operations support staffs, and regional offices.
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SEC. 7. Secretary of Economics and Pianning. - The Secretary of Economics
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and Pianning, hereafter referred to as the Secretary, shail be appointed by the
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President, subject to the confirmation of the Commission on Appointments.
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The Secretary, who shall be the country's Chief Economist, shali have the
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following minimum qualifications: a natural-born citizen and resident of the
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Phiiippines: of good moral character; must have distinguished himself/herself
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professionally in pubiic, civic, or academic service in the fieid of economics; must have
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been in the active practice of his/her profession for at ieast ten (10) years; and must
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not have been a candidate for any elective nationai or local office in the immediateiy
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preceding eiections, whether reguiar or special.
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SEC. 8. Powers and Functions of the Secretary. - The Secretary shall have the
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following powers and functions:
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(a) Advise the President on matters of national economic and social
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development;
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(b) Provide executive direction and supervision over the entire operations of
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DEPD;
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(c) Establish policies and standards for the efficient and effective operations
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of DEPD;
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(d) Exercise disciplinary powers over officers and employees of DEPD in
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accordance with law;
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(e) Promulgate such rules and regulations, and exercise such other powers
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as may be required to implement the objectives of this Act; and
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(f) Perform such other functions as may be provided by law.


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SEC. 9. Undersecretaries and Assistant Secretaries. - The Secretary shall be
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assisted by four (4) Undersecretaries and eight (8) Assistant Secretaries, who shall be
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appointed by the President upon recommendation of the Secretary.
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The Secretary shali have the flexibility to determine the respective
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assignments of the Undersecretaries and Assistant Secretaries depending on
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DEPD's strategic directions and/or on emerging deveiopment trends affecting the
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country's economy.
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SEC. 10. Groups and Offices. - DEPD shali have four (4) major Groups headed
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by Undersecretaries, to be supported by Offices and Staffs in the discharge of their
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functions, to wit:
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(a) The Poiicy and Planning Group which shaii be responsibie for preparing and
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updating the integrated long-term development frameworks and plans, and
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physical planning frameworks; harmonizing national and sub-national,
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sectoral, and spatial plans and programs and monitoring their respective
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implementations; conducting research and related studies for plan
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formulation and policy recommendations; and preparing 
the annuai
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economic reports;
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(b)The Investment Programming Group which shaii be responsible for
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translating pians and poiicies into programs and projects for sectoral and
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regional development; and formulating the pubiic investment program;
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(c) The Regional Development Group which shall be responsible for promoting
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and undertaking regional planning and deveiopment; and
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(d) The Corporate Affairs Group which shali be responsibie for providing
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support services relating to budget, finance and management; human
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resources; legal assistance; information, communications and technology;
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records; supplies and equipment; coilection and disbursement; security;
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sanitation; and custodial work.
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The Secretary shall have the flexibility to reorganize the groups, offices, and
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staffs, and to recommend to DBM for approvai, the creation of additionai offices.


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positions, or staffing modifications as may be necessary.
SEC 11. Structure and Staffing. - The organizational structure and staffing 
shall be determined by DEPD and shall be submitted to DBM for approval as necessary.
SEC. 12. DEPD Regional Offices. - The DEPD shall establish, operate and 
maintain a regional office in all the different regions of the country. Each regional 
office shall be headed by a Regional Director, who shall be assisted by an Assistant 
Director. The regional offices shall discharge the functions of DEP, as applicable, at 
the regional level.
SEC. 13. Attached Agencies. - The agencies currently attached to the National 
Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) shall hereafter be attached to DEPD 
and shall continue to operate and function in accordance with their respective 
charters, laws, or orders creating them, except as otherwise provided in this Act.
The Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) as the government's 
primary socioeconomic policy think tank; and the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) 
as the government's central statistical authority shall be organizationally linked to the 
Office of the Secretary for policy and program coordination.
The Pubiic-Private Partnership Center of the Phiiippines (PPPC) as the agency 
responsibie for the promotion and facilitation of PPP programs and projects shail be 
organizationally linked to the Investment Programming Group for policy and program 
coordination.
The Philippine Statistical Research and Training Institute (PSRTI) as the 
agency mandated to conduct high quality, objective and responsive statistical research 
and training; the Commission on Population and Development (POPDEVCOM) as the 
agency responsible for the government's national program on population and family 
planning; and the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency 
(PNVSCA) as the agency mandated to promote and coordinate volunteer programs 
and services shall be organizationally linked to the Policy and Pianning Group for poiicy 
and program coordination.


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The Tariff Commission (TC) as the agency that provides independent analysis, 
information, and technical support on matters related to tariff and non-tariff measures 
shall be organizationally linked to the Policy and Planning Group for administrative 
purposes.
SEC. 14. Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council. - DEPD shall 
serve as the principal secretariat of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory 
Council (LEDAC), pursuant to Republic Act No. 7640, otherwise known as "An Act 
Constituting the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council." The LEDAC 
Secretariat shall hereafter be integrated in the organizational structure of DEP. The 
necessary appropriations for operating and capital expenditure of the LEDAC 
Secretariat shall be included in DEPD's budget in the General Appropriations Act.
CHAPTER II
THE ECONOMICS AND PLANNING COUNCIL AND ITS COMMITTEES
SEC. 15. The Economics and Planning Council.-There shall be established an 
Economics and Planning Council, hereafter referred to as the Council, as the executive 
collegial body responsible for directing and providing overall policy direction on 
economic, financial, social and environmental matters to achieve inclusive and 
sustained economic growth. The Council shall be headed by the President of the 
Philippines.
SEC. 16. Composition of the Council. -The Council shall be composed of the 
following:
(a) The President of the Philippines as Chairperson;
(b) Secretary of Economics and Planning;
(c) Secretary of Finance;
(d) Secretary of Budget and Management;
(e) Secretary of Interior and Local Government
(f) Secretary of Trade and Industry
(g) Secretary of Public Works and Highways


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(h) Chairperson of the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines; and
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(i) Governor of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), as a resource
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institution.
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All members of the Council, except the Governor of BSP, are voting members.
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The presence of a majority of all members of the Council shall constitute a quorum.
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The Council may request inputs from the private sector.
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The President shall assign the Vice-Chairperson from among the members of
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the Council. The President may revise the membership of the Council as deemed
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necessary for the effective performance of the Council's functions.
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SEC. 17. Powers and Functions of the Council. - The Council shall have the
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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, plans, programs, and projects, as endorsed by the
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Committees;
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(c) Approve proposed cost threshold and other criteria for priority programs
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and projects, unless already provided by existing laws, rules and
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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 Council.
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SEC. 18. Meetings. - The Council shall meet quarterly. A special meeting of
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the Council may be convened by the President to address urgent concerns,
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emergencies, and other extraordinary circumstances.
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All decisions of the Council shall require the concurrence of the President of the
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Philippines.


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DEPD shall maintain and preserve a compiete record of the proceedings and
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deiiberations of the Councii, inciuding the recording and transcripts, either in their
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originai form, or in any secure format made availabie by existing technoiogy.
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SEC. 19. Full Disclosure Rule. - In addition to the requirements of Repubiic
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Act No. 6713, otherwise known as the Code of Conduct and Ethicai Standards for
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Public Officials and Employees, any member of the Council with personal and
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pecuniary interest in any matter in the agenda of the Council shall disclose the
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interest to the Council and shall withdraw from the meeting when the matter is
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taken up. The minutes shall reflect the disclosure made and the retirement of the
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member concerned from the meeting.
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SEC. 20. Committees of the Council. - The Council shall have committees that
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shall act as its primary advisory bodies.
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These Committees shall be the main coordinating mechanism that ensures
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that the policy environment is conducive to the promotion of rapid, inclusive, and
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sustained economic growth.
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The President shall designate the respective Chairpersons of the
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Committees. DEPD shall serve as the Secretariat for all Committees, unless
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otherwise 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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SEC. 21. Development Budget Coordination Committee (BudgetCom). -
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BudgetCom shall be composed of the Secretaries of the Department of Budget and
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Management, Department of Economics and Planning, and Department of Finance,
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the Executive Secretary, and the Governor of BSP.
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A technical committee of BudgetCom, composed of duly designated
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Undersecretaries of the same member agencies, is hereby established to conduct a
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technical review of matters that require appropriate action by BudgetCom. The


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Department of Budget and Management shall serve as the Secretariat for
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BudgetCom.
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BudgetCom shall recommend for final approval of the Council:
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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.
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SEC. 22. Investment Coordination Committee (InvestmentCom). -
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InvestmentCom shall be composed of the Secretaries of the Department of Finance,
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Department of Economics and Planning, Department of Budget and Management,
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Department of the Interior and Local Government, and Department of Trade and
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Industry, the Executive Secretary, and the Governor of BSP.
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A technical committee of InvestmentCom, composed of duly designated
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Undersecretaries of the same member agencies, is hereby established to conduct a
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technical review of matters that require appropriate action by InvestmentCom.
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InvestmentCom shall discharge the foilowing 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 final approval of the Council:
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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 to
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augment government's financing capacity;
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iii. Modalities of development financing and capital market development in
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support of long-term programs and projects for both national and local
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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, and viability.
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(c) Submit to the President of the Philippines a status of the fiscal, monetary
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and balance of payment (BOP) implications of major capital programs
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and projects.
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SEC. 23. Economic Development Committee (EconDevCom). - EconDevCom
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shall be composed of the Secretaries of the Department of Economics and Planning,
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Department of Finance, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Budget
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and Management, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of
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Transportation, Department of Information and Communications Technology,
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Department of Energy, Department of Science and Technology, Department of
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Tourism, Department of Agriculture, and Department of the Interior and Local
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Government, the Executive Secretary, and the Governor of BSP.
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A technical committee of EconDevCom, composed of duly designated
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Undersecretaries of the same member agencies, is hereby established to conduct a
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technical review of matters that require appropriate action by EconDevCom.
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EconDevCom shall recommend for final approval of the Council:
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(a) Policies that ensure equitable and sustainable distribution of economic
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opportunities and benefits to Filipinos;
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(b) Policies towards the development of agriculture, industry, and services
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that are vital to food security, and equitable and sustainable growth; and
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(c) Policies and measures to promote national productivity, competition and
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competitiveness.
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SEC. 24. Infrastructure Committee (InfraCom). - InfraCom shall be
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composed of the Secretaries of the Department of Public Works and Highways,
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Department of Economics and Planning, Department of Budget and Management,
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Department of Finance, Department of Information and Communications 
Technology, Department of Transportation, Department of Trade and Industry, 
Department of Energy, Department of Agriculture, and Department of Tourism, 
and the Executive Secretary.
A technical committee of InfraCom, composed of duly designated 
Undersecretaries of the same member agencies, is hereby established to conduct a 
technical review of matters that require appropriate action by InfraCom.
InfraCom shall discharge the following functions:
(a) Recommend for the final approval of the Council a national infrastructure 
development strategy;
(b) Advise the Council on all matters concerning infrastructure development; 
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(c) Coordinate the activities of agencies, including government-owned and 
controlled corporations involved in infrastructure development.
SEC. 25. Social Development Committee (SocialDevCom). - SocialDevCom 
shall be composed of the Secretaries of Department of Social Welfare and 
Development, Department of Economics and Planning, Department of Budget and 
Management, Department of Education, Department of Agrarian Reform, 
Department of Agriculture, Department of Health, Department of the Interior and 
Local Government, and Department of Labor and Employment, and the Executive 
Secretary.
A technical committee of SocialDevCom, composed of duly designated 
Undersecretaries of the same member agencies, is hereby established to conduct a 
technical review of matters that require appropriate action by SocialDevCom.
SocialDevCom shall discharge the following functions:
(a) Recommend for final approval of the Council policies and programs that 
enhance the welfare and reduce risks of Overseas Filipino Workers, older 
persons, differently-abled persons, children, women, indigenous 
peoples, marginalized farmers and fisher folk, and informal urban and 
upland settlers; and
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(b) Advise the Council on matters concerning social development and
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delivery of social services.
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SEC. 26. Committee on Trade and Related Matters (TradeCom). - TradeCom
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shall be composed of the Secretaries of the Department of Trade and Industry,
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Department Economics and Planning, Department of Agriculture, Department of
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Budget and Management, Department of Environment and Natural Resources,
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Department of Finance, Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Information
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and Communications Technology, and Department of Transportation, the Executive
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Secretary, the Governor of BSP, and the Chairperson of the Tariff Commission.
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A technical committee of TradeCom, composed of duly designated
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Undersecretaries of the same member agencies, is hereby established to conduct a
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technical review of matters that require appropriate action by TradeCom.
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TradeCom shall discharge the following functions:
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(a) Recommend for final approval of the Council a continuous rationalization
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policy and program for the country's tariff structure;
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(b) Advise the Council on trade and related matters, as well as the effects
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of various international developments on the country; and
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(c) Coordinate government agency positions and recommend national
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positions for international economic negotiations.
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SEC. 27. Regional Development Committee (RDCom). - RDCom shall be
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composed of the Secretaries of the Department of Economics and Planning,
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Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Budget and
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Management, and Department of Trade and Industry, three (3) Regional
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Development Council Chairpersons representing Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, and
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one (1) representative from the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines.
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A technical committee of RDCom, composed of duly designated
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Undersecretaries of the same member agencies, is hereby established to conduct a
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technical review of matters that require appropriate action by RDCom.
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RDCom shall discharge the following functions:
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(a) Formulate and monitor the implementation of policies that reduce
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regional development disparities;
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(b) Promote equitable allocation of resources among regions by providing
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recommendations to DBCC on the guidelines for the regional allocation
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of budgetary resources; and
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(c) Periodically review the viability of the regional configuration of the
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country, and recommend to the Council the re-delineation of regions, as
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may be necessary.
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SEC. 28. Marine Resource and Land Use Committee (MaRLUCom). -
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MaRLUCom shall be composed of the Secretaries of the Department of Economics
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and Planning, Department of Agrarian Reform, Department of Agriculture,
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Department of Energy, Department of Environment and Natural Resources,
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Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Science and
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Technology, Department of Tourism, and Department of Human Settlements and
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Urban Development, the Chairperson of the National Commission on Indigenous
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Peoples, the Chairperson of the National Coast Watch Council, and the presidents
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of leagues of provinces, municipalities and cities.
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A technical committee of MarLUCom, composed of duly designated
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Undersecretaries of the same member agencies, is hereby established to conduct a
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technical review of matters that require appropriate action by MarLUCom.
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MaRLUCom shall discharge the following functions:
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(a) Advise the Council on matters concerning marine resource use planning
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and land use physical planning;
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(b) Recommend for final approval of the Council the national and sub-
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national framework for physical planning;
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(c) Recommend for final approval of the Council resolutions concerning
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marine resource use and land use policy conflicts among national
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government agencies; and
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(d) Ensure the integration of marine resource use, land use and physical 
planning, including disaster risk management, into national development 
policies, plans and programs.
SEC. 29. Regional Development Council (RDC). - The Regional Development 
Councils are the regional counterparts of the Council. Each RDC shall be composed 
of provincial governors, city mayors, mayors of municipalities designated as provincial 
capitals, presidents of the provincial league of mayors, mayors of municipalities 
designated as the regional centers, regional directors of the agencies represented in 
the Council, regional directors of the Department of Education, Department of Social 
Welfare and Development, and Department of Tourism, and private sector 
representatives who shall comprise one-fourth of the members of the fully constituted 
RDC.
The President of the Philippines shall appoint the Chairperson and Vice 
Chairperson of the RDC. The DEPD Regional Offices shall serve as secretariat of the 
RDCs.
CHAPTER III
TRANSITORY AND OTHER MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
SEC. 30. Transitory Provision. - NEDA is hereby abolished. DEPD shall, by 
virtue of this Act, be subrogated to all the rights and assume all the liabilities of NEDA, 
and all of its funds, records, property, assets, equipment, and such personnel as 
necessary, including unexpended appropriations and/or allocations. All contracts and 
liabilities of NEDA are hereby transferred to and assumed by DEPD and shall be acted 
upon in accordance with the Auditing Code and other pertinent laws, rules, and 
regulations. All current officials and employees of NEDA shall be retained under and 
absorbed by DEPD.
Any reference to NEDA or to the Secretary of NEDA in any existing law. 
Executive Order, Administrative Order, or Presidential Proclamation, rules and 
regulations, and other issuances with respect to any duty or function assumed by
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DEPD created in this Act, shall be deemed hereafter to be referenced to DEPD or 
to the Secretary of Economics and Planning, respectively.
All programs and projects submitted to NEDA for appraisal and/or those 
endorsed by the current Investment Coordination Committee for NEDA Board 
approval prior to the effectivity of this Act shall be processed by DEPD and the 
Council, respectively, subject to the prevailing laws, rules and regulations, 
guidelines, and issuances at the time they were submitted or endorsed.
SEC. 31. Separation and Retirement from Service. - NEDA employees who are 
separated from service as a result of the consolidation and/or reorganization under 
the provisions of this Act, shall receive separation benefits to which they may be 
entitled under existing laws: Provided, That those who are qualified to retire under 
existing retirement laws shall be allowed to retire and receive retirement benefits to 
which they may be entitled under applicable laws and issuances.
SEC. 32. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to cover the initial 
implementation of this Act shall be charged against the current year's 
appropriations of NEDA. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the 
effective and continuous implementation of this Act shall be included in the annual 
General Appropriations Act.
SEC. 33. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within ninety days (90) 
days from the effectivity of this Act, DEPD shall promulgate the rules and 
regulations, as well as the necessary issuances required for the proper 
implementation of the provisions of this Act. The implementing rules and 
regulations shall take effect fifteen (15) days after the completion of its publication 
in two (2) newspapers of general circulation. Within three (3) days from its 
effectivity date, three (3) certified copies of the published implementing rules and 
regulations shall be furnished to the University of the Philippines Office of the Law 
Center pursuant to Book VII, Chapter 2, Section 3 of the Administrative Code of 
1987.
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SEC. 34. Separability Clause. - If any provision or portion of this Act is 
declared unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or any provision not thereby 
affected shall remain in full force and effect.
SEC. 35. Repealing Clause. - Executive Order No. 230, series of 1987, and 
Chapters 1, 2, 3, and 4, Subtitle C, Title II, Book V of Executive Order No. 292, 
Series of 1987, are hereby repealed. All laws, decrees, executive orders, 
ordinances, rules, regulations, and other issuances, or parts thereof, which are 
inconsistent with any provision of this Act, are hereby repealed, amended, and/ or 
modified accordingly.
SEC. 36. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
APPROVED,
17