Senate ratifies bill reorganizing NEDA into DEPDev

The Senate ratified on Monday a measure reorganizing the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) into the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev).

Following approval by a bicameral conference committee, this bill will now be sent to Malacañang for the president's signature.

Senate Bill 2848 and its counterpart House Bill 11199 were previously approved on December 16, 2024, and January 14, 2025, respectively.

The DEPDev will serve as the primary policy planning, coordinating, and monitoring arm of the Executive branch for national economic development.

It is tasked with formulating policies, plans, and programs aimed at inclusive and sustainable growth under the Economy and Development Council's approval.

Additionally, the bill includes a provision allowing the President to retain the incumbent NEDA Secretary as the inaugural DEPDev Secretary without a new appointment, ensuring continuity during the transition period.