Memorandum Circular No. 137, issued on July 30, 2007, mandates all heads of national government departments, agencies, and government-owned corporations in the Philippines to obtain prior clearance from the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board before implementing new fees or increasing existing ones. This directive aims to enhance the country's competitiveness and ensure that fee adjustments align with national priorities and stakeholder interests. It stems from a recognition of the need for coordinated economic policies and reflects the government's commitment to responsible fiscal management. Compliance with this directive is essential for maintaining consistency in fee structures across government entities.
July 30, 2007
MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 137
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; aTcESI
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.
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, July 30, 2007. TADCSE