Congress ratifies proposal to change NEDA to DEPDev

The Senate and the House of Representatives ratified Monday the proposed Economy, Planning and Development Act, which reorganizes the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) into the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev).

This came after the bicameral conference committee approved and adopted the report of the provisions of the Senate and the House.

The ratified measure, which would reorganize the agency into a full-blown department under the Executive branch, will be sent to Malacañang for the president's signature.

Senate Bill 2848 or the Economy, Planning, and Development Act was approved on the third and final reading on December 16, 2024 while its counterpart House Bill 11199 was approved on January 14, 2025.

Under these measures, the DEPDev shall be the primary policy planning, coordinating, and monitoring arm of the Executive branch on the national economy.

The DEPDEV would formulate the country's continuing, integrated, and coordinated policies, plans, and program for national development for approval by the Economy and Development Council (ED Council).

It will also be responsible for directing and providing overall policy direction on economic matters to achieve inclusive and sustainable economic growth and development.

The department shall ensure the vertical and horizontal alignment and coherence of national and sub-national policies, plans, and programs towards optimal use of financial and economic resources, and oversee the country's public investment program. — BM, GMA Integrated News