Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS

First Regular Session

House Bill No. igh

Introduced by HON. ROZZANO RUFINO B. BIAZON

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill proposes to appropriate the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex (RMSC) and its lands to
the National Museum (NM) in order to ensure the perpetuity of the RMSC as a cultural heritage. It also
authorizes the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the NM to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement
with the Philippine Sports Commission for the management and day to day operations of the complex,
bearing in mind the preservation and conservation of the facility

The Rizal Memorial Sports Complex (RMSC) located in Malate, Manila is one of the last
surviving pre-war structures in Metro Manila, It was originally conceived in 1921 for the purpose of
promoting athletics in the Philippines. The idea was to create a large-scale sports complex capable of
hosting not only local, but international sporting events. ‘The plan was put into action and was completed »
in 1934, in time for the country’s hosting of the 10" Far Eastern Games.

There is no doubt that the RMSC indeed bears historical significance not only in the City of
Manila where it is located, but to the entire Philippines as well. It has bone witness to both the
desolation of war and the triumph of the Filipino spirit in some of the grandest events in our history.
For thousands of Filipino athletes across generations, the RMSC js not just an important landmark, it
was their home where poignant memories remain. It deserves to be preserved as a historical sports

facility and a heritage landmark dedicated to the Filipino people.

‘The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) already declared the RMSC as
a National Historical Landmark while the National Museum (NM) likewise declared it as an Important
Cultural Property. While these two declarations are indeed very laudable and are steps in the right
direction towards the preservation and conservation of the RMSC, further action should be done to
ensure that such declarations would bear fruition, Plus, the introduction of this bill.

With the premises being considered, immediate approval of this bill is eamestly sought.

wed sab RUFINO B. Ce
Re

epresentative
Lone District of Muntinlupa City


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS.

First Regular Session

Howse Bio, 792

Introduced by HON, ROZZANO RUFINO B. BIAZON

AN AC

E PROTECTION AND CONSERVATION OF RIZAL MEMORIAL

SPORTS COMPLEX IN THE DISTRICT OF MALATE OF THE CITY OF MANILA

AS AN IMPORTANT CULTURAL PROPERTY AND A NATIONAL HISTORICAL
LANDMARK

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 “Rizal Memorial Sports
Complex Protection and Conservation Act”,

See, 2. Declaration of Policy, ~ The Constitution provides that “The $

tate shall promote
and popularize the nation’s historical and cultural heritage and resoure

It is the policy of the State to preserve National Cultural Treasures and Important
Cultural Properties of the nation and to safeguard their intrinsic value.

Sec. 3. Conversion of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex. ~ To implement the above
declared State policies. and to ensure its protection and conservation. the present Rizal
Memorial Sports Complex hereinafter referred to as RMSC. is her
the government, It shall be placed solely for budget
President.

y converted into a trust of
y purposes under the Office of the

‘The RMSC shall be a venue for sports, athletic events, cultural gatherings and other
such congregations in the service of the community and its development. accessible to the
public, and for the promotion of the people’s general welfare. The RMSC management shall
inform the general public about these activities for the purpose of sports. recreation, education
and entertainment.

Sec. 4. Permanent Home; Evidence of title to site and buildings; Management. The
site and lands of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex shall be deemed appropriated to the
National Museum, and the record of the description of such site and lands, or a copy thereof,



certified by the Chairman and Secretary of the Board of Trustees, shall be received as evidence
in all courts of the extent and boundaries of the lands appropriated to the Museum.

The Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the National Museum is hereby authorized
to enter info a memorandum of agreement with the Philippine Sports Commission for the
management and day to day operations of the RMSC. Such memorandum of agreement shall
be governed by the principle of preserving and conserving the RMSC as an Important Cultural
Property.

See. 6. Separability Clause, ~ If for any reason, any section or provision of this Act is
declared invalid or unconstitutional, the other sections or provisions hereof, unaffected thereby
shall continue to be in full force and effect

Sec. 4, Repealing Clause. ~ All laws. executive issuances or parts thereof inconsistent
with this Act are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.

Sec. 5. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspaper of general circulation

Approved,

nN