The Senate's proposed Masterplan for Infrastructure and National Development (MIND) Council has drawn concerns from economic managers that it could duplicate powers already granted to the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev).
At a Senate hearing, DEPDev Assistant Secretary Roderick M. Planta expressed concern that the proposed measure substantially overlaps with Republic Act No. 12145, which institutionalized the agency and established a Comprehensive Infrastructure Development Master Plan.
Finance Assistant Secretary Juvy C. Danofrata echoed the concern, stating that the DEPDev charter already established an infrastructure committee with membership similar to that proposed for the MIND Council.
Officials said they support the intent of the bills, which aim to strengthen infrastructure planning by setting national standards and priorities for major projects, following controversy over flood control spending.
However, they urged lawmakers to avoid creating overlapping mandates that could complicate the implementation of existing planning mechanisms.
