Republic of the Philippines RECEIVED
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SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS — BY:
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. 1727
House Bill No.

Introduced by HON. ROZZANO RUFINO B. BIAZON

EXPLANATORY NOTE

‘The word “Museum” conjures images of artifacts, antiques, valuable paintings, and
the like. Such a restricted notion or view of a museum does not give the Filipino a correct
picture of our National Museum. One would be surprised to learn that the National Museum
has several divisions, with concems and interests so diverse yet all pertaining to our national
heritage.

Botany, anthropology, archaeology, zoology, geology, museum education, and
cultural properties are the seven (7) divisions that comprise the National Museum. Given the
sacred task of undertaking research, education and preservation of our culture, the National
Museum explores our country’s land and water in search of new, undiscovered, plants,
animals, and things, whether tangible or otherwise, that are indigenous to us. ‘Thus, it has
scientists in its employ to research, verify and authenticate its finds from such a huge scope

To present the artifacts, paintings, or “collection” that it safeguards, the National
Museum has nineteen (19) regional museums scattered throughout the country. Ten (10) of
these, regrettably, need immediate rehabilitation. ‘The scant resources that the museum
receives does not allow the simultaneous repair of these branches though, with the bare eye,
one can see the weakness of the structures, the traces of termite infestation, and other
indications of damage that are more critical than peeling and fading paint.

Though Republic Act No. 8492 gave the National Museum its permanent home and
gave provisions for funding, specifically sec. 23 which created the Museum Endowment
Fund, the two government agencies, the Philippine Amusements and Gaming Corporation
(PAGCOR) and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), that were supposed to
contribute to this Fund has been quite remiss in complying with the law. Even sec. 26 which
is supposed to give the museum a measure of financial relief through the creation of a
revolving fund, has yet to be enjoyed by the museum.

Imagine the horrifying thought of losing priceless artifacts just because we had to
serimp on security, or the degeneration of works of art by our national artists due to increased
humidity brought about by decreased air conditioning. The nominal savings brought about

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES


by excessive frugality cannot replace what may forever be lost. Aside from dripping pipes
and unpaid electricity bills, the museum faces a host of problems — not quite unlike a boat
staying afloat despite massive leaks.

It is not only proper but high time that an institution that safeguards the heritage of
our nation should be given the financial capability and independence to carry out its mandate.

In order that this may come into fruition, this bill seeks to authorize the National
Museum to use part of its income to augment its operational requirements of its ‘operations.

Due to the foregoing, immediate passage of this bill is earnestly requested.

ROZZANO RUFINO B. BLAZON

Representative
Lone District, Muntinlupa City


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS

First Regular Session

Or
House Bill No. lve °

Introduced by HON. ROZZANO RUF!

0 B. BIAZON

AN ACT
AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NUMBERED EIGHTY-FOUR HUNDRED NINETY-
TWO, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE NATIONAL MUSEUM ACT.

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

SECTION 1. Section 26 of Republic Act No. 8492 is hereby amended to read as
follows:

“Section 26. [Revolving Fund) USE OF INCOME. ~ The
NATIONAL MUSEUM IS AUTHORIZED TO USE ITS income [of the
Museum] not exceeding the amount of [Two] FIVE Million Pesos
[(P2,000,000)] (PS,000,000) ANNUALLY derived from the proceeds of the
sales of reprodu cultural items, publications, creation, restoration,
conservation, identification, [authentication] earnings from’ planetarium
programs, ENTRANCE FEES, and other auxiliary services [shall be
constituted as a revolving fund for the use of the Museum.] TO AUGMENT
THE OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE MUSEUM SUCH
AS, BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

26.1 UPGRADING AND MODERNIZATION OF
COMMUNICATION AND TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES;

26.2. REPAIR AND REHABILITATION OF STRUCTURES
AND FACILITIES THAT HOUSE ITS OFFICES, COLLECTIONS
AND ACQUISITIONS;

26.3 UPDATE ITS INSURANCE PAYMENTS;

26.4. INCREASE THE LEVEL OF SECURITY IT CURRENTLY
EMPLOYS; AND


26.5. FUND EXPENSES INCURRED THE
REPRODUCTION/ACQUISITION OF CULTURAL ITEMS,
PUBLICATIONS, CREATIONS, RESTORATION AND
CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMS, PLANETARIUM PROGRAMS AND
OTHER AUXILIARY ACTIVITIES, SUBJECT TO THE SUBMISSION
OF A SPECIAL BUDGET PURSUANT TO SECTION 35, CHAPTER V,
BOOK VI OF EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 292: PROVIDED, THAT NO
AMOUNT OF SAID INCOME SHALL BE USED TO FUND
PERSONAL SERVICES EXPENDITURES.”

Sec. 2. Implementing Rules. — Within one hundred twenty (120) days after the
effectivity of this Act, the Director of the National Museum shall promulgate the
implementing rules and regulations necessary for the effective implementation of this Act.

Sec. 3. Repealing Clause. — All laws, executive orders and regulations inconsistent
with or contrary to this Act are hereby considered repealed and/or amended accordingly.

Sec. 4. Separability Clause. ~ If any section or provision of this Act is declared
unconstitutional or invalid, the other sections or provisions not affected thereby shall remain
in full force and effect.

Sec. 5. Effectivity. ~ This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after publication in
the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,