---

MALACAÑAN PALACE
MANILA

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES

[ Memorandum Circular No. 137, July 30, 2007 ]

ENJOINING ALL HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS, BUREAUS, COMMISSION, AGENCIES, OFFICES AND INSTRUMENTALITIES OF THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT, INCLUDING GOVERNMENT OWNED AND/OR CONTROLLED CORPORATIONS, TO SEEK PRIOR CLEARANCE FROM THE NATIONAL ECONOMIC AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY BOARD BEFORE AUTHORIZING THE IMPOSITION OF NEW FEES OR INCREASES IN EXISTING FEES

WHEREAS, it is the thrust of the government to improve the country’s competitiveness in the global economy;

WHEREAS, there is a need to review the new fees and increases in the fees imposed by the national government to ensure that these are properly coordinated with the stakeholders and consistent with established national priorities of the government;

WHEREAS, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board is primarily responsible for formulating continuing, coordinated and fully integrated social and economic policies, plans and programs;

WHEREAS, the Administrative Code of 1987 (Executive Order No. 292) provides that heads of bureaus, offices or agencies, upon approval of the concerned department head, have the continuing authority to revise their rates of fees and charges to recover the cost of the service rendered;

WHEREAS, in the January 30, 2007 Joint National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) and NEDA Cabinet Group meeting, the President and the Cabinet Members deemed it prudent for all heads of departments, bureaus, commissions, agencies, offices and instrumentalities of the national government, including government-owned and/or controlled corporations (GOCCs), to seek NEDA Board clearance before authorizing the imposition of new fees or increases in existing fees.1aшphi1

In this connection, the heads of all departments, bureaus, commissions, agencies, offices and instrumentalities of the national government, including GOCCs, are hereby directed to seek NEDA Board clearance before authorizing the imposition of new fees or increases in existing fees.

SO ORDERED.

Manila, Philippines, JUL 30 2007

By authority of the President:

(SGD.) EDUARDO R. ERMITA
Executive Secretary

The Lawphil Project - Arellano Law Foundation

---