LEDAC Advances Development Agenda with 11 Additional Bills to Common Legislative Agenda
The Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC), under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., has taken a significant step toward the realization of the social and economic transformation outlined in the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028. In its 3rd meeting for the 19th Congress held on September 20, 2023, LEDAC approved the inclusion of 11 priority bills to the Common Legislative Agenda (CLA).
The priority bills, carefully selected to address crucial aspects of development, aim to enhance government efficiency, bolster national defense, and foster infrastructure development. This strategic move aligns with the overarching goals of the PDP and reinforces the commitment of the 19th Congress to achieving these targets.
Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), tasked with presenting an overview of the new bills, emphasized the significance of their timely passage. “The timely passage of these priority bills will bring us closer to building a prosperous, inclusive, and resilient society for Filipinos,” stated Secretary Balisacan.
Seven out of the 11 bills were previously identified as priority measures by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during his second State of the Nation Address in July. Noteworthy among them are the proposed amendments to the Government Procurement Reform Act, presented by the Department of Budget and Management. These amendments aim to streamline and expedite the government’s procurement process, addressing challenges faced at the operational level.
Additionally, the Department of Finance presented proposed amendments to the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act. The proposed reforms focus on enhancing the VAT refund system and strengthening tax administration and governance provisions.
The LEDAC, chaired by the President of the Philippines with NEDA as its secretariat, serves as a vital consultative and advisory body. It plays a key role in shaping specific programs and policies essential for achieving national economic goals. Moreover, it provides a platform for high-level policy discussions on critical issues impacting national development.
The 19th Congress remains committed to advancing these bills, recognizing their importance in propelling the nation toward a future marked by prosperity, inclusivity, and resilience.