NEDA debates to decision still not open to public, says Palace

Malacañang clarified Thursday that despite the pronouncement of former socioeconomic chief Romulo Neri, the details of the decisions made by the National Economic and Development Authority are still private.

In a statement, Secretary Eduardo R. Ermita said, "Yesterday, former National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Director General Romy Neri was reported to have said that all NEDA meetings and documents are public in nature."

"Perhaps, Secretary Neri’s statement was taken out of context. Yes, NEDA’s final decisions are public in nature and are posted on the NEDA website, but surely the deliberations and debates leading to the formulation of the final decision or policy are not public in nature," Ermita said.

He added that these remain covered by executive privilege for reasons of national interest.

"In like manner the decisions of the Supreme Court are considered public document in nature and are posted in its website, but the deliberations of the justices that led to the final decision are not public in nature, and cannot be inquired into," he pointed out.

He also noted, "When the Senate goes into executive session, discussions therein are also considered not public in nature."

"If internal deliberations, debates and positions of Cabinet members can be compelled to be disclosed, Cabinet officials will be unduly hampered in giving their frank, full, and free exchange of views in the shaping of decisions, policies and actions affecting the nation. In all these, the national interest should be given prime consideration," he concluded.