Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH (18") CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 1410

Introduced by: Representative Jose L. Atienza, Jr.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This representation filed House Bill No. 2949 in 2013 with the objective of
helping address the continuing rift between Muslims and Christians brought about
by differences in, among other things, culture and religion. We believe that with
this bill, we will be able to generate a better awareness and appreciation of the
Muslim character, as well as to showcase the diverse Muslim culture through their
traditional songs and dances.

In February of this year, in substitution of HB 2949, the Committees on
Muslim Affairs and Appropriations approved House Bill 6472, entitled: “An Act
Establishing a Bangsamoro Trade and Cultural Center of the Philippines in the
City of Manila and Appropriating Funds Therefor”.

This is very timely as the new Administration, led by President Rodrigo
Duterte, has made known its intention to sit down with the different armed groups
and pursue a lasting peace in Mindanao. Difference in cultural and religious
beliefs and practices should not be a hindrance in the pursuit of peace in a region
that has long been plagued by armed conflict.

We move for the urgent passage of this Bill.

L. ATIB IR.
eftative, BUHAY Party-list


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH (18") CONGRESS

First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 1110

Introduced by: Representative Jose L. Atienza, Jr.

AN ACT
CREATING A MUSLIM TRADE AND CULTURAL CENTER OF THE
PHILIPINES, IN THE CITY OF MANILA, AS THE CAPITAL OF THE
PHILIPPINES, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION ONE. This Act shall be known as the “ MUSLIM TRADE
AND CULTURAL CENTER OF THE PHILIPPINES ACT OF 2013 “

SEC. 2. It is hereby declared a policy of the State to promote and advance
the culture of every part of the Philippines . The State recognizes the
people’s need for cultural understanding and tolerance, and for knowledge of
local customs and products.

SEC. 3. The National Commission for Culture and the Arts, as well as the
National Commission on Muslim Filipinos, are hereby mandated to be the
lead agencies in the implementation of this Act, to formulate a guideline of
requirements and to structure a timetable for the creation of the Muslim
Trade and Cultural Center of the Philippines.

SEC. 4. In line with this, both National Commissions shall closely
coordinate with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)
and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for the funding
requirements and other pertinent matters needed in the implementation of
this Act.


SEC. 5. The DPWH shall closely coordinate with the Local Government
of Manila with regards to the location of the land where the Muslim Trade
and Cultural Center of the Philippines is proposed to be established.

SEC. 6. The land must be owned by the government.

SEC. 7. The appropriation for the implementation of this Act shall be
sourced from the unobligated budget allocations of the two National
Commissions, DPWH, DBM, the President’s Social Fund and the City of
Manila under the General Appropriations Act. Thereafter, such amount as
necessary for the continued implementation shall be included in the Annual
General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 8. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after completion of its
publication in two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.

Approved.