Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Second Regular Session 
House Bill No. 10143 
Introduced by Representative Hon. Christopher V.P. de Venecia 
Explanatory Note 
National Library of the Philippines (NLP) started as Museo-Biblioteca de 
Filipinas in August 12, 1887. Since then, NLP's mandate has been redefined by various 
statutes. The current mandate came from RA 7356 (the charter of National Commission 
for the Culture and the Arts, enacted on April 3, 1992) where NLP was redefined as a 
cultural agency. Subsequent laws added and further redefined NLP's mandate and 
functions. 
This bill intends to consolidate and enhance the NLP's mandate and functions 
as a cultural agency to address needs of our rapidly changing society. 
In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought. 
HON. CHRISTOPHER V.P. DE VENECIA 
4th District, Pangasinan 
March 13, 2024
3:27 pm


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Second  Regular Session 
House Bill No. 10143 
Introduced by Representative Hon. Christopher V.P. de Venecia 
AN ACT INSTITUTING THE CHARTER OF THE NATIONAL LIBRARY 
OF THE PHILIPPINES, REORGANIZING ITS STRUCTURE, DEFINING ITS 
POWERS AND FUNCTIONS AND PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION. 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "THE NATIONAL 
LIBRARY OF THE PHILIPPINES ACT.”  
SECTION. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State to 
foster the cultural well-being of the Filipino people and promote their lifelong learning 
through a centralized system of public libraries. 
Towards this end, the State shall acquire, organize, conserve and preserve historical, 
cultural, intellectual, literary and other information resources and provide equitable 
access thereto. 
It shall establish local and international partnership and observe the conduct of 
historical and cultural events and activities. In addition, it shall support the development 
of library facilities and services to be responsive with the changing information needs 
of the community. 
SECTION. 3. Name. - The National Library of the Philippines is an independent 
agency to be known as the “National Library of the Philippines” or “NLP”, 
alternatively in Filipino, “Pambansang Aklatan ng Pilipinas” or its shortened name 
“National Library” or “Pambansang Aklatan”. 
It shall be understood that use of any of the designation in any institution within the 


Philippines shall be reserved exclusively to the agency. 
 
SECTION. 4. Permanent Official Station. - The National Parks Development 
Committee (NPDC) shall grant to the National Library its current location as its 
permanent official station. 
 
SECTION. 5. Official Repository. - The National Library shall be the official 
repository of printed and recorded cultural heritage of the country as well as other 
resources that document Philippine history, literature, linguistics, culture and arts. 
 
As custodian of printed and recorded cultural heritage, the NLP shall organize, 
conserve, preserve and provide access to the same to cultivate love for the country and 
instill value for Filipino identity. 
 
SECTION. 6. Definition of Terms. - For purposes of this Act, the following terms 
shall be defined as follows: 
 
Acquire - refers to all modes of augmenting library collections such as 
purchase/procurement, copyright registration, legal deposit, exchange, gifts, donations. 
 
Affiliation - refers to the process of interconnecting public libraries to the National 
Library of the Philippines to organize and strengthen them for cultural and intellectual 
growth and development of the members of the community. 
 
Agency - refers to the “National Library of the Philippines”, “NLP” , “Pambansang 
Aklatan ng Pilipinas” , “National Library”, or “Pambansang Aklatan”. 
 
Conserve - refers to all the processes and measures of maintaining the cultural 
significance of a cultural property including, but not limited to, preservation, 
restoration, reconstruction, protection, adaptation or any combination thereof 
 
Copyright registration - refers to the process of recording the rights of the creator or 
proprietor over the original work. 
 
Division - refers to the Readers Services, Copyright Services, Technical Services, 
Special Services, Information and Technology, Public Libraries, Conservation and 
Preservation, Human Resource Management, Finance and Administration, Policy, 
Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, and External Affairs. 
 
Equitable access to information - refers to online or onsite utilization of library 
resources by all library users subject to the limitations provided by laws and regulations 
of the NLP. 
 
Filipiniana resources - refer to the publications about the Philippines or its people, 
written by a Filipino or other nationality in any language, printed or published in any 
medium in the Philippines or abroad. It also includes publications written in Filipino 
language/dialect irrespective of its subject matter. 
 
Legal deposit - refers to statutory obligation of the publisher, printer, heads of the 
various departments, bureaus, offices, and branches of the government, including the 


provinces and municipalities, and government-owned and government-controlled 
corporations to provide the National Library of the Philippines and other repositories, 
free of charge, best copies of their publications which are made available for sale or 
free distribution to the general public.  
 
Library resources - refer to all library materials and publications. 
 
Library services - include access and use of library resources and facilities, inter-library 
loans, reservation of books, photocopying/printing, educational tours, storytelling, 
puppet shows,read-aloud, arts and crafts, outreach programs and others. 
 
Organize - refers to indexing, cataloging and bibliographic processes for proper 
management and administration of library collections; arranging the on the shelf 
collections in a systematic manner. 
 
Preserve - refers to processes of prolonging the existence of cultural property. 
 
Public Librarianship - refers to management of public libraries in accordance with the 
policies and standards promulgated by the NLP as well as those set forth in the Quality 
Manual of Libraries of the Philippines and Standards of Philippine Public Libraries 
(SPPL). 
 
Public Libraries - refer to libraries in the community dedicated for learning and 
recreational activities established, operated and maintained by local government units 
or congressional districts. It also includes barangay reading centers. 
 
SECTION. 7. Organizational Structure. - The NLP shall be reorganized into: 
 
1. Office of the Director-General;  
2. Office of Deputy Director-General for Operations;  
3. Office of Deputy Director-General for Management; and, 
4. Offices of Directors for:  
a. External Affairs;  
b. Preservation and Conservation;  
c. Public Libraries;  
d. Copyright;  
e. Readers Services;  
f. 
Special Services;  
g. Technical Services;  
h. Finance and Administration;  
i. 
Human Resource Management;  
j. 
Information Technology; and,  
k. Policy, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation.  
 
Each Office of Director shall have an Assistant Director. 
 
SECTION. 8. Qualifications and Appointments. - (1) The Director-General and the 
Deputy Director-Generals shall be appointed by the President and shall have the same 
rank, qualification and emolument of Undersecretary and Assistant Secretary, 
respectively.  


 
(2) 
No person shall be appointed Director and Assistant Director unless he/she 
possessed competence, experience and expertise relevant to the position in accordance 
with the CSC rules and regulations on appointment.  
 
SECTION. 9. Powers and Functions. The NLP shall have the following powers and 
functions: 
 
a. Acquire, organize, preserve and conserve printed and recorded historical and 
cultural heritage of the country as well as Filipiniana resources and other 
intellectual, literary, and information resources in various media and forms; 
b. Promote and strengthen the nation’s historical and cultural heritage, as well as 
artistic creation to protect Filipino identity; 
c. Ensure free and equitable access to library resources; 
d. Establish, maintain, and strengthen a centralized system of public libraries 
through an affiliation process and standardize public librarianship; 
e. Exercise general supervision over public libraries and monitor compliance 
with minimum standards of operations for public libraries; 
f. 
Provide technical assistance to affiliated public libraries; 
g. Implement the laws on copyright and legal deposit; 
h. Formulate and implement rules and regulation for partial or non-fulfillment 
with legal deposit and determine, collect and impose fines thereon; 
i. 
Arrange and conduct cultural events and other similar activities and collect 
reasonable fees; 
j. 
Determine and collect fees for activities and services other than access to 
information; 
k. Develop library facilities and inclusive services to be responsive with the 
existing intellectual and information needs of library users and community; 
and 
l. 
Perform other functions for the furtherance of culture and education. 
 
SECTION. 10. Powers and Duties of the Director-General.- The Director General 
shall be the head of the agency and shall: 
 
a. Exercise overall authority in matters within the jurisdiction of the agency, 
including those relating to its operations and enforce laws and regulations 
pertaining to it; 
b. Appoint and discipline employees of the agency in accordance with laws and 
regulations; 
c. Promulgate rules and regulations as may be necessary or proper for the 
efficient administration of the agency and performance of its functions; 
d. Enter into a contract or agreement for the furtherance of the agency’s 
functions; 
e. Develop and implement programs, projects, and activities to effectively carry 
out the purpose of this Act; 
f. 
Perform such other functions as may be necessary in the performance of duties. 
 
SECTION. 11. Deputy Director-General for Operations. The Deputy Director-
General for Operations shall have the following powers and duties:  
 


a. Assist the Director-General in the management and operation of the agency; 
b. Direct and supervise the Directors of Readers Services, Copyright Services, 
Technical Services, Special Services, Information and Technology, Public 
Libraries and Conservation and Preservation; 
c. Together with the Directors, formulate guidelines and procedures for effective 
and efficient delivery of services; 
d. Monitor applicable laws, rules and regulations; 
e. Approve and authorize the registration and issuance of copyright; 
f. 
Establish regulations and procedures for imposition of fines for non-
compliance with law on legal deposit; 
g. Perform other duties as may be assigned by the Director-General. 
 
SECTION. 12. Deputy Director General for Management. The Deputy Director-
General for Management shall have following powers duties:  
 
a. Assist the Director-General in the management and operation of the agency; 
b. Direct and supervise the Directors of Human Resource Management, Finance 
and Administration, Policy, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation and 
External Affairs; 
c. Together with the Directors, formulate guidelines and procedures for effective 
and efficient delivery of services; 
d. Monitor applicable laws, rules and regulations; and 
e. Head relevant committees and address all concerns pertaining to the purpose 
of said committee; 
h. Perform other duties as may be assigned by the Director-General. 
 
SECTION. 13. Directors. The Director shall render assistance to Deputy Director-
General and carry out the following powers and duties: 
 
a. Direct and supervise the office staff; 
b. Monitor, assess and evaluate staff performance; 
c. Implement applicable policies, rules, and regulations; 
d. Formulate office plans, programs, and activities; 
e. Exercise independent judgment on matters within his/her authority; and  
f. 
Perform other duties as may be assigned by the Director-General or Deputy 
General. 
 
SECTION. 14. The Top Management. The Director-General, Deputy Director-
General for Operations, and Deputy Director-General for Management shall compose 
the top management of the agency and in all cases shall adhere to the rule of majority. 
 
SECTION. 15. The Divisions. The divisions shall be headed by Directors and have 
the following functions: 
 
a. Copyright Services Division (CSD) shall manage, process and evaluate 
application for copyright registration and deposit, issue certificate thereon, and 
create, keep and update regularly the records of registration and deposit. It 
shall also perform other related functions. 
 
b. External Affairs Division (EAD) shall maintain the positive image of the 


agency, build strong relationships and networks with stakeholders, implement 
public relations strategies and manage public relations concerns.   
 
It shall also arrange cultural events, tours, exhibits, conference, workshop, and 
other similar activities to promote the services of the NLP and seek 
opportunities for the agency and its personnel. Moreover, it shall undertake 
research, publication, and distribution of newsletters, annual reports, 
manuscripts, and other materials. The EAD shall also direct the official website 
and social media sites of the agency. 
  
c. Finance and Administration Division (FAD) shall manage the resources of the 
agency and handle its financial activities. It shall conduct planning, 
accounting, auditing, budgeting, cashiering and procurement activities. It shall 
ensure smooth administration of funds, expenditures, and revenues. 
 
 
The FAD is also responsible for the maintenance of facilities, 
equipment, and properties of the agency. It shall handle janitorial, security and 
other administrative services. 
 
d. Human Resource Management Division (HRMD) shall manage the employees 
of the agency. It is responsible for recruitment, selection, and placement of 
personnel and their compensation, benefits and incentives. It also shall provide 
learning and development programs.  
 
The HRMD shall monitor the conduct and performance of employees and 
initiate disciplinary actions in accordance with laws, rules and regulations. In 
addition, it shall handle the NLP Internship Programs and other human 
resource functions. 
 
e. Information Technology Division (ITD) shall provide information and 
technology services to support the operation of the agency by integrating, 
administering, updating, upgrading, improving, and maintaining the IT 
systems. 
 
f. 
Policy, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Division (PPMED) shall set the 
agency road map to achieve its organizational and societal objectives. It shall 
conduct comprehensive assessment and evaluation of agency performance, 
carry out an operational and strategic planning, consider necessary 
modification thereto, and ensure agency compliance with laws, government 
policies, rules and regulations. It shall also develop, implement and evaluate 
policies for efficient and effective delivery of services. 
 
g. Preservation and Conservation Division (PCD) shall preserve and conserve 
all printed and recorded cultural heritage of the country. It shall organize and 
maintain Filipiniana collections. 
 
h. Public Libraries Division (PLD) shall implement the centralized system of 
public libraries through an affiliation process to promote culture and support 
education as well as recreational activities for community development. 
 


i. 
Readers Services Division (RSD) shall be the mainstay of library services of 
the agency. It shall organize, maintain and provide free and equitable access 
to circulation, reference, Filipiniana, serials, multimedia, foreign. 
 
j. 
Special Services Division (SSD) shall be the pillar of specialized library 
services to specific library users namely, children, young adults, persons with 
special needs or persons under a special circumstance, and senior citizens. It 
shall organize, maintain and provide free and equitable access to library 
resources as well as conduct activities and programs to meet their information 
needs. 
 
k. Technical Services Division (TSD) shall provide specialized support in the 
delivery of library services. It shall primarily acquire and organize library 
materials. 
 
The TSD shall ensure proper selection and acquisition of library materials 
including original, unique, special, rare items or collections with cultural 
significance, systematically catalog and index the library collection, provide 
bibliographic services, and process legal deposit. 
 
SECTION. 16. Centralized System of Public Libraries. - The NLP shall be the sole 
authority in regulating public libraries and librarianship. It shall establish a centralized 
system of public libraries to promote, monitor and standardize public libraries and 
librarianship, implement national and local cultural programming, and support multi-
sectoral educational reinforcement and recreational activities. 
 
The local government unit or the congressional/legislative district, as the case may be, 
shall fund the.establishment and operations of public libraries. It is the responsibility of 
the local chief executive or congressional district representative to ensure annual funds 
allocation for capital outlay, personnel services, and maintenance and other operating 
expenses of public libraries. 
 
SECTION. 17. Acquisition of Original, Unique, Special, Rare Items or Collections 
with Cultural Significance. - Acquisition of original, unique, special, rare items or 
collections with cultural significance shall be determined by Director-General and 
Deputy Director-Generals in accordance with the policies established by the agency. 
Such acquisition shall be exempt from government procurement laws, rules and 
regulations.  
 
SECTION. 18. Tax Exemption. - (1) Importation of educational, scientific and 
cultural materials shall be exempt from custom duties or any other charges, including 
value added tax (VAT) by virtue of the Florence Agreement. Such materials cover the 
following: 
 
a. Books, publications and documents (Annex A); 
b. Works of art and collectors’ pieces of an educational, scientific or cultural 
character (Annex B); 
c. Visual and auditory materials of an educational, scientific or cultural 
character (Annex C); 
d. Scientific instruments or apparatus (Annex D); and 


e. Articles for the blind (Annex E)  
 
(2) Any gift, grant, bequest, endowment, donation or contribution which may be made 
to or for the use of the agency by any individual or entity shall be exempt from taxes of 
any kind and shall constitute allowable deductions in full from the income of the donors 
or givers for income tax purposes. 
 
SECTION. 19. NLP Income Fund. - The agency shall have the power to collect 
reasonable fees as a source of revenue in addition to its General Appropriations Act 
(GAA). The revenues shall be credited to the NLP Income Funds and be used for 
modernization of library facilities and acquisition of special or rare cultural collections 
under the care of private individuals or institutions. The funds may be accumulated and 
disbursed on the following if not utilized in the current year. 
 
SECTION. 20. NLP Donations Fund. - The agency shall establish the NLP Donations 
Fund wherein all monetary gifts, grants, donations, and contributions shall be placed. 
The fund shall be disbursed according to the intent of the donor. In the case of pure 
donation, the Director-General shall have a discretion to dedicate the funds for matters 
as he/she deems fit. 
 
SECTION. 21. Appropriations. – The amount necessary to implement this Act shall 
be charged against the current appropriations of the agency. Thereafter, such sums as 
may be needed for its full implementation shall be included in the annual General 
Appropriations Act. 
 
SECTION. 22. Transitory Provision. - All incumbent officials and employees shall 
continue in office and perform their duties as such without need of reappointment: 
Provided, the incumbent Director IV shall continue in office as Director General; the 
incumbent Director III shall continue in office as Deputy-Director General; the 
incumbent Chief Administrative Officer/Administrative Officer V(HRMS)/ Librarian 
V shall continue in office as Directors of respective or equivalent service; and, the 
incumbent Librarian IV shall continue in office as Assistant Directors of respective or 
equivalent service. 
 
Such positions affected by the changes embodied in this Act at the time of its approval 
shall thereafter occupy and discharge the duties and functions of their new positions 
and receive the corresponding salary and benefits without the  necessity of new 
appointment. 
 
The number of administrative support personnel shall be increased to address the needs 
and gaps in the delivery of service and refrain from the practice of continuously hiring 
Contract of Service and Job Order workers to the detriment of such workers.  
 
All new and vacant positions shall be filled in accordance with applicable rules and 
regulations. 
 
SECTION. 23. Separability Clause. – Should any provision of this Act or part hereof 
be declared unconstitutional, the other provisions or parts not affected thereby shall 
remain valid and effective. 
 


SECTION. 24. Repealing Clause. –  Pertinent provisions of Act Nos. 222, 1849, 1935, 
2572, 3477, Executive Order No. 94, and Republic Act nos. 3873, 10087, 7743, and 
Presidential Decree No. 812 and all other laws, decrees, orders, and issuances, or 
portions thereof, which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, are hereby 
repealed. 
 
SECTION. 25. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
 
Approved.