MANILA, Philippines — Malacanang has ordered all government agencies and corporations to seek approval from the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board before imposing new or increased fees.
Cabinet Secretary Ricardo Saludo said Memorandum Circular No. 132, signed by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita by authority of the President, covers “all departments, bureaus, commissions, agencies, offices and instrumentalities,” including government-owned or-controlled corporations (GOCCs).
Citing “the thrust of the government to improve the countrys competitiveness in the global economy,” MC 132 addresses concerns expressed by the business sector, especially exporters, over the impact of the strong peso on their ability to compete with foreign goods and in the world market.
The Presidents instruction also comes after a recent World Bank report over big container shipment costs in the Philippines, said to be the highest in Asia.
The circular implements a Jan. 30, 2007 Cabinet resolution for all national government agencies and GOCCs to seek NEDA Board approval before raising fees or collecting new ones.
The instruction shall take effect once it is published in a national newspaper, along with procedures for seeking NEDA Board clearance. (OPS) (davaotoday.com)
