IMEE: LET DEPDEV—NOT CONGRESS—LEAD 2026 NATIONAL BUDGET

SENATOR Imee Marcos emphasized that the newly-established Department of Economic Planning and Development (DEPDev), formerly the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), must take the lead in crafting the 2026 national budget–not just by setting macro economic assumptions, but by actively participating in its planning and formulation.

DEPDev was officially created through Republic Act 12145, which was presented to the public on May 22. As one of the principal authors, Marcos underscored that the transformation gives the agency a stronger mandate to steer the country’s economic direction through data-driven policies, long-term planning, and rigorous oversight of national projects.

“With this law, we hope to restore DEPDev as the lead agency in shaping the nation’s economic future,” said Marcos.

“It should no longer be sidelined but must now take center stage in budget planning and economic strategy,” he added.

Marcos stressed that DEPDev’s role must go beyond simply setting macroeconomic parameters.

“The department should be at the core of the budget process–helping design how funds are allocated to truly address national priorities and long-term development goals,” she said.

She also warned against letting short-term political programs dominate public spending.

“DEPDev should ensure that the 2026 budget moves away from temporary relief programs like AKAP, AICS, or TUPAD, and instead focus on structural reforms that can deliver real, lasting progress,” she added.