FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
. REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
, . .,v 
SENATE 
==========s=e=n=at=e=B=il=1 N=0=.=1=2=7=6===='=1~=~(=:2=I\l=F=n=i-1=.v=. J.=:%---- .. . , 
INTRODUCED BY SEN. MANNY VILLAR 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The purpose of this bill is to give "spirit and soul" on the Constitutional 
provision, specifically Article XIV, Section 18, subsection 2, which states: 
"The State shall encourage and support researches and 
studies on the arts and culture" 
Under our constitution, arts and letters enjoy the patronage of the state 
and the state shall conserve, promote and popularize the nation's historical and 
cultural heritage and resources,as well as artistic creations, 
The National Artists are the national geniuses of the country and therefore 
deserve encouragement and recognition. Our National Artists are the ones that 
express the true and beautiful culture of the Philippines through their letters and 
arts. The honors, privileges and cash awards are given to our National Artists in 
recognition of their valuable and priceless work, truly reflective of the culture and 
heritage of the Philippines. 
The privileges granted to them under Presidential Decree No. 208 have 
depreciated in value and do not ·serve the purposes for which they were granted. 
An increase in these privileges is, indeed, necessary in the light of present 
economic conditions. 
MANNYVLLAR 
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FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
SENATE 
Senate Bill No.1276 
INTRODUCED BY SEN. MANNY VILLAR 
AN ACT 
.'.1 ' 
INCREASING THE CASH AWARDS OF NATIONAL ARTISTS, AMENDING 
FOR THE PURPOSE PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 208 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
Philippines in Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. The first paragraphs of Presidential Decree No. 208 is 
hereby amended to read as follows: 
"The following privileges and honors, among others, shall 
henceforth be made available to National Artists: 
1. A cash award of ONE HUNDRED [ten] Thousand Pesos 
(P100,000.00) [(P10,000)] upon conferment of the award and 
decoration of National Artist; 
2. A life pension of TEN [two] Thousand Pesos (P10,000.00) 
[(P2,000)] payable monthly; 
3. Medical and hospitalization benefits; 
4. Coverage by a lifetime insurance policy in the amount of ONE 
HUNDRED [fifty] Thousand Pesos (p100,000.00) [(P50,000)] by 
the 
Government Service 
Insurance System 
and/or private 
insurance companies from date of conferment of the award, in the 
event the National Artist is insurable, the premiums for which shall 
be paid by the National Government or by donation from any 
governmental or private entities; 
5. A place of honor in state functions, national commemoration 
ceremonies and all other cultural presentations; and 
6. A state funeral, the arrangements for and the expenses of which 
shall be borne by the Goyernment, upon the death of the National 
Artist. " 
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SECTION 2. The amount as may be necessary to carry into effect the 
purpose of this Act is hereby appropriated and shall be included in the annual 
General Appropriations Act. 
SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval. 
Approved, 
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