Anti-corruption, tax reform measures top LEDAC talks

Anti-corruption measures, the resurrection of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), and the adoption of the House version of the first package of the tax reform program were the main discussion points during the third meeting of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) last Wednesday.

President Duterte presided over the meeting of the 20-member LEDAC at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room in Malacanang, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said.

Among the anti-corruption measures identified for prioritization are the strengthening of anti-corruption agencies in the Office of the Ombudsman, Department of Justice and Anti-Money Laundering Council.

The council also cited the need to “drastically reduce” bureaucratic red tape by simplifying regulations and “minimize opportunities for corruption.”

“Corruption puts a heavy toll on the government and the services it provides to the public,” said Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia.

The LEDAC, he said, also agreed to prioritize curbing corruption in the procurement process via amendments to the Government Procurement Reform Act (GPRA). The Government Procurement Policy Board is expected to submit to the legislature soon the proposed amendments to the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the GPRA.

Thus the House of Representatives will no longer pursue deliberations on the bills proposing to amend the GPRA if the amendments to the IRR would be sufficient, NEDA said.

The council also agreed to consider the new BBL drafted by the Bangsamoro Transition Committee which was transmitted by the Office of the President to both Houses of Congress last Aug. 14. This seeks to create a new autonomous political entity known as the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Mindanao.

NEDA said President Duterte also agreed to certify as urgent the adoption of the House of Representatives version of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN).

During the meeting, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez asked the Senate to consider adopting the House version of the first package of the tax reform program, also known as House Bill 5636, as it is expected to produce the government’s revenue target.

Based on the DOF’s initial computation, the Senate version yields only at least P55 billion, way below the revenue target of P133.8 billion under HB 5636.

LEDAC is a widely represented and the highest consultative and advisory body to the President on economic and development matters to integrate the legislative agenda with the national development plan.

The council is composed of high-level officials from the government’s executive and legislative branches, with representatives from the private sector, youth, and local government units.

NEDA is the designated secretariat of LEDAC.