Legislative-Executive coordination body could convene before yearend -- President

BAGUIO -- President Benigno S. C. Aquino III said here on Friday that he may convene the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) before the year ends, but after the Congress passes the proposed 2011 national budget.

The LEDAC was formed in 1992 under Republic Act No. 7640 to ensure close coordination between the Executive and the Legislative branches of government on delelopment policy priorities. A key product of its meetings is the drawing up of a common legislative agenda, composed of bills both state branches agree to prioritize for approval.

LEDAC is composed of the President as chairman, the Vice-President as vice-chairman, the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Senate President, as well as seven Cabinet secretaries and three members of each legislative chamber who usually deal with key socioeconomic issues. In principle, the council also includes a representative each of local government, the private sector and the youth sector.

Leaders of both legislative chambers have committed to ratify the proposed 2011 national budget, after harmonizing their respective versions in a bicameral conference committee, before they go on their Christmas break starting Dec. 18. The House of Representatives approved it on third and final reading last Nov. 8 and the Senate Finance Committee introduced it for plenary approval last Tuesday.

"So, once it’s [2011 national budget] done, then we are free to discuss all of other laws," Mr. Aquino told reporters after the opening of a fast food chain branch here. 

"I think we’d be able to do it [convene LEDAC] also, maybe this year."

Speaker Feliciano R. Belmonte, Jr., who had sought the convening of LEDAC before Congress takes its Christmas break, said via text on Friday that convening the body is the President’s call.

Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile could not be immediately reached for comment. 

But Deputy Sepaker Jesus Crispin C. Remulla (7th district, Cavite) said by phone Friday that LEDAC should have been convened much earlier. "Previous Presidents convened the LEDAC as early as September to set priority legislation. We want LEDAC to meet as early as possible," he said. -- Ana Mae G. Roa