Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
19TH CONGRESS 
Second Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 10542 
Introduced by Representative Michael L. Romero 
 EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The 1987 Constitution mandates the State to support culture and the arts 
through appropriate technology and research, with adequate financial, 
production, and other support services. 
In tribute for the fifth death anniversary of the very distinguished and multi-
awarded actor/director Eduardo “Eddie” Garcia the National Commission for 
Culture and the Arts (NCCA) bestowed upon him subsequently the National 
Artist Award. 
The stalwart lawmaker Honorable Michael L. Romero of 1Pacman Partylist 
who principally authored the recently passed Republic Act No. 11996 or the 
“Eddie Garcia Law”, emphasized the importance of demanding better treatment 
and protection of workers in the movie and television industry. 
This House Bill seeks to foster culture as a manifestation of the freedom of belief 
and of expression and is a human right to be accorded due respect and be 
allowed to flourish. 
Thus, the early passage of this bill is earnestly requested. 
June 24, 2024
5:20 pm


MICHAEL L. ROMERO Ph.D. 


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
19TH CONGRESS 
Second Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 10542 
Introduced by Representative Michael L. Romero 
    AN ACT 
 PROVIDING FOR THE MODERNIZATION OF THE NATIONAL 
COMMISSION FOR CULTURE AND THE ARTS (NCCA), TO 
PRESERVE AND CONSERVE THE FILIPINO HISTORICAL AND 
CULTURAL HERITAGE AND RESOURCES, APPROPRIATING 
FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 
1. 
SHORT TITLE — This Act shall be known as the 
National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) modernization Act of 
2024. 
SECTION 
2. 
DECLARATION OF POLICY — It is a declared policy of 
the State in conformity with the mandate of the Constitution, to promote culture 
and arts to all Filipinos. The State also hereby recognizes the complementary 
roles of culture and arts and its contributions to the entire country. 
For these purposes, the State shall provide the mechanisms to improve 
awareness and unity by maximizing the use of all existing resources. recognizing 


in the process the government’s responsibility to instill this as having priority 
over its other functions. 
SECTION 3. 
CULTURE AS A HUMAN RIGHT. - Culture is a 
manifestation of the freedom of belief and of expression and is a human 
right to be accorded due respect and allowed to flourish. 
 
SECTION 4. 
NATIONAL IDENTITY. - Culture reflects and shapes 
values, beliefs, aspirations, thereby defining a people's national identity. 
A Filipino national culture that mirrors and shapes Philippine economic, 
social and political life shall be evolved, promoted and conserved. 
SECTION 
5. 
MODERNIZATION FUNDING. – The amount of Two 
Billion Pesos (Php 2, 000,000,000.00) for the operation and administration of 
the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) shall be chargeable 
against funds for the purpose and other sources recommended by the 
Department of Budget and Management (DBM).  
 
Thereafter, appropriations for the, shall be included in the budget 
proposals under the Office of the President. 
 
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) shall rationalize the 
existing organizational structure and staffing pattern of the National 
Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) in accordance with the 
prevailing provisions and relevant compensation and position classification 
laws, rules and regulations. 
Thereafter, the amount needed for the continued implementation of the 
modernization program shall be included in the annual General Appropriations 
Act (GAA). 


SECTION 
6. 
National Commission for Culture and the Arts 
(NCCA) MODERNIZATION FUND – There is hereby created the National 
Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Modernization Fund to be used 
exclusively for the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) 
Modernization Program. 
The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Modernization 
Fund shall be administered by the Office of the President in accordance with 
existing government budgeting, accounting, and auditing rules and regulations. 
SECTION 
7. 
PROGRESS REPORT – The Office of the President 
shall prepare an annual report on the status of the implementation of the 
Modernization Programs which shall be submitted, to the President of the 
Republic to the Senate and the House of Representatives. 
 
SECTION 
8. 
INCREASE 
OF 
PERSONNEL. – 
The 
National 
Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) shall maintain a sufficient 
staffing pattern.  
Hence, it is authorized to increase its manpower to meet such required 
and may continue to increase personnel per percentage rate increase of 
committed mandates annually or as the need arises. 
SECTION 9. 
CULTURE BY THE PEOPLE. - The Filipino national 
culture shall be evolved and developed by the people themselves in a climate of 
freedom and responsibility. 
SECTION 
10. 
PERIOD OF IMPLEMENTATION – The modernization 
program under this Act shall be implemented for an initial period of three (3) 
years:  


Provided, that payments for multi-year contract obligations incurred 
under this Act may extend beyond this period:  
Provided, further, That the National Commission for Culture and the Arts 
(NCCA) shall continue to develop, modernize and constantly update its 
operational capabilities to keep pace with best global practices. 
SECTION 
11. 
SUPERVISING AND ASSESSMENT CONCERNS. — 
the Office of the President, shall provide the necessary technical and 
financial assistance to ensure effective operations and build-up. 
SECTION 12. 
Preservation of the Filipino Heritage. - It is the duty 
of every citizen to preserve and conserve the Filipino historical and 
cultural heritage and resources. The retrieval and conservation of 
artifacts of Filipino culture and history shall be vigorously pursued. 
SECTION 
13. 
TRANSITORY 
PROVISION – 
Existing 
industries, 
businesses and offices affected by the implementation of this Act shall be given 
six (6) months transitory period from the effectivity of the IRR or such other 
period as may be determined, to comply with the requirements of this Act. 
SECTION 14. 
PERIODIC REPORTS - The Office of the President 
shall submit periodic reports on its findings and make recommendations on 
actions to be taken by both Congress and Senate and the appropriate 
departments, in order to carry out the objectives and mandates of this Act. 
SECTION 
15. 
AUTOMATIC REVIEW - Every three (3) years after the 
effectivity of this Act, an independent review panel composed of experts to be 
appointed by the President of the Republic shall review the policies and 
programs in the defense and security sector and shall make recommendations, 
based on its findings, to the President and to both Houses of Congress. 


SECTION 16. 
PENAL CLAUSE. – Any person, whether natural or 
juridical, violating any section of this Act shall, upon conviction, therefore, be 
liable to a fine of not less than five hundred thousand pesos (P500,000.00) or 
imprisonment for a term not less than six (6) years, or both, at the discretion of 
the court for each and every violation.  
In case the violation is committed by a corporation or an association, the 
penalty shall devolve upon the president, director, or any other officer 
responsible for such violation. 
SECTION 
17. 
IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS. – The 
departments and agencies charged with carrying out the provisions of this Act 
shall, within sixty (60) days after the effectivity of this Act, formulate the 
necessary rules and regulations for its effective implementation. 
SECTION 
18. 
REPEALING CLAUSE. – All laws, decrees, executive 
orders, rules and regulations, or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions 
of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
SECTION 
19. 
SEPARABILITY CLAUSE. – If, for any reason, any 
section or provision of this Act is held unconstitutional or invalid, the other 
sections or provisions hereof shall not be affected thereby. 
SECTION 
20. 
EFFECTIVITY CLAUSE. – This Act shall take effect 
after fifteen (15) days from its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two 
(2) national newspapers of general circulation whichever comes earlier. 
 
Approved,