Manila, May 27 -- Senator Imee Marcos on Tuesday highlighted the need for the newly established Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) to take the reins in crafting the 2026 national budget, emphasizing the need for long-term, data-driven economic planning.

Formerly known as the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), DEPDev was formally established through Republic Act 12145 and was unveiled to the public on May 22.

Marcos, among the law's principal authors, said the agency's enhanced mandate is a crucial step toward refocusing national budgeting and development priorities.

"With this law, we hope to restore DEPDev as the lead agency in shaping the nation's economic future," she said in a news release. "I...