ECONOMIC managers on Thursday said Senate proposals creating a Masterplan for Infrastructure and National Development (MIND) Council could duplicate powers already granted to the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev).
At a Senate hearing, DEPDev Assistant Secretary Roderick M. Planta said the proposed measure substantially overlaps with Republic Act No. 12145, which institutionalized the agency and already provides for a Comprehensive Infrastructure Development Master Plan.
Finance Assistant Secretary Juvy C. Danofrata echoed the concern, saying the DEPDev charter already established an infrastructure committee with membership similar to that proposed for the MIND Council.
The proposed legislation seeks to strengthen infrastructure planning by setting national standards and priorities for major projects following controversy over flood control spending.
Officials said they support the intent of the bills but urged lawmakers to avoid creating overlapping mandates that could complicate implementation of existing planning mechanisms. — Kaela Patricia B. Gabriel
previous post
