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THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
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REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES } 
First Regular Session 
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Senate Bill No. 
Introduced by Senator Madr 
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It is the State’s policy under the 1987 Conshh 
enrichment, and dynamic evolution of a Fihpino National 
unity in diversity in a climate of free artistic expressic 
mandated that, all the country‘s artistic and historic wealth 
the nation and shall be under the protection of the State 
(Article XIV, Section 16,1987 Constitution). 
In light of the <- 
two cited Constitutional Provisions, 
Manila Prih’ce Hotel vs. GSIS (67 SCRA 408) eloquently s 
. . .In its plain and ordinary meaning, the term 
heritage. When the Constitution speaks of n 
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on to foster the preservation, 
ulture based on the principle of 
. Further, it is constitutionally 
mtitutei the cultural treasure of 
iich may regulate its dtsposition 
.e Supreme Court, in the case of 
:ed that - 
a-imony pertains to 
ional patrimony, it 
refers-not only to the natural resources of the Philippines, as’the 
Constitution could have very well used the term natural resources, 
but also to the cultural heritage of the Filipinos. 
Sadly, however, despite the existence of laws on cultural heritage and patrimony, we 
are made to continue witnessing the onslaught of modernization and so-called ‘ 
to the prejudice sites and structures which have unique architectural characteri 
and historical significance. 
Apropos thereto, this bdl seeks to enforce the constitutional mandate t 
country‘s artistic and historic wealth by the establishment of a “Nation 
Register” (NLR). Whereby, the said register shall identify al culturally and historically 
significant sites and supervise all works on the same. It shall also provide incentives for the 
restoration, preservation, and adaptive reuse of such sites and to penalize destruction, 
defacement or alteration without appropriate permit and clearance. 
Further, this biil also proposes to create an endowment fund to spur study and 
research on the preservation, restoration, conservation of cdturally and historically 
significant sites and structures. 
In view of the foregoing, the immednte approval of this bill is earnestly requested. 


THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
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REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES } 
First Regular Session 
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Congress assern bled. 
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SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known 
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(a.) 
Recognize built heritage as a representation of a 
culture that blends artistic principles with practical 
Preserve built heritage as part of the nation’s tangibe 
enjoyment of all generations and foster pride in 
Landmarks Register Act of the Philippines.” 
SEC. 2. Dechrarion ofPoki-y. - The State shall pursue policies 
preserve distinctive and architectural characteristics of the countr 
elements of the nation’s cultural, economic, social, political and 
SEC. 3. Dechration of Princ$h. - The State shall 
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protecting the rapidly vanishing structures and cultural landscape 
the patrimony of the nation. To achieve this end, it shall be the policy 
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ingenuity, and heritage; 
(b.) 
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IS the “National 
ro identie and 
. which represent 
architectural history. 
pursue a policy of 
.which constitutes 
of the State to: 
facet of P ilippine 
purpose; 
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culture for the 
Filipino artistry, 
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Senate Bill No. 
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Introduced by Senator Madrigal 
(c.) 
Regulate the disposition of structures and cultural Ian scapes; and 
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(d.) 
Recognize a greater communal right without prejudice to the right of 
individual ownership. 
SEC. 4. The National Landmarks Register. - The National Historical Institute 
("I) 
and the National Landmarks Register Special Commission (NLRSC) to be 
created under this Act shall establish the National Landmarks Register, whi h shall 
establish a list all properties with any of the following characteristics: 
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(a) 
Historical Importance; 
(b) 
The social significance of the property for which it has become a focus 
of spiritual, political, or national cultural sentiment; 
(c) 
Distinct architectural style; 
(d) 
Architectural significance; 
(e) 
The work is identified as one by a National Artist, or master builder, 
designer, architect, landscape architect, whose individual work has 
influenced the development of the country, province, city or 
municipality; 
The work is the embodiment of the highest technological engineering 
or construction expertise of an era; 
The structure or work must be suitable for conservation, preservation, 
restoration or reconstruction; or 
Other significant characteristics to be determined by the NHI. 
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(g) 
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(h) 
The NHI and the National Landmarks Register Special Commission shall 
prepare and develop said list within six (6) months from the effectivity of this Act. A 
copy ofthe said register upon its completion shall be submitted to Congress. 
SEC. 5. Establishment of National Landmarks Register Special Comm ision. - 
There is hereby established a National Landmarks Register Special' Com "ission; 
hereinafter referred to as the Commission. The Commission shall be composed of 
seven (7) members, with the Chairman and Four (4) other members coming from the i 


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various non-government conservation organizations and other related organizations, 
including but not limited to professional organizations for architects, engineers, artists 
and su& other professionals. The two (2) remaining members of the Commission 
who shall serve in an ex-officio capacity shall be the Executive Directors of both the 
NHI and the National Museum respectively. 
The Commission shall be attached to the NHI as an agency. The Chairman 
and private sector members of the Commission shall be appointed by the President of 
the Philippines and shall serve for a respective term of three (3) yea s. The 
Commission shall be constituted not more than thirty (30) days from the app oval of 
this Act. 
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SEC. 6. Certifcate of Appropriateness. - Before any action affecting the 
exterior, interior, engineering and architectural appearance and structure of any 
landmark or property included in the National Landmarks Register is undertaken, the 
owner or beneficial possessor of the said property shall secure a certificate of 
appropriateness from the NHI. The NHI in consultation with the National Museum 
shall develop and issue the appropriate standards and implementing guidelines 
governing the certificate of appropriateness within sixty (60) days from approval of 
this Act. 
SEC. 7. Protection of Listed Sites, - All listed sites shall be entirled to the 
protection of the State against demolition, deterioration, destruction, or any 
unwarranted alteration that results in loss of the character, distinct architectural, 
aesthetic, technological, historical and social value of the property thereof. 
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SEC.. 8. Visitorial Powers. - The NHI is hereby given the power to inspect 
listed sites at anytime to ensure the protection and integrity of such landmarks 
identified under the register. 
SEC. 9. Power to deputize the Philippine National Police (PNP) 
National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). - The NHI, in coordination 


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Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Department of 
Justice, respectively shall have the authority to deputize local or national law 
enforcement agencies to enforce the provisions of this Act including its Implementing 
Rules and Regulations. 
SEC. 10. National Landmarks Endowment Fund. - The National Landmarks 
Endowment Fund (NLEF) is hereby established for purposes of implementing of the 
provisions and purposes of this Act. It shall be composed of the fol1owing:Seed capital 
from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) in the 
amount of One Hundred Million Pesos (P100,000,000.00); 
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(a) 
Grants from government corporations such as the GSIS, 
others, to be given at their discretion; and 
Donations from private persons or corporations. 
(b) 
The said fund shall be administered, supervised and managed by the NHI. 
SEC. 11. Pendty. - The destruction, demolition, restoration, renovation or 
any change or alteration from the original structure, or any construction work on a 
structure by the owner or possessor of the property listed in the National Landmarks 
Register, without the certificate of appropriateness or written authority from the NHI 
shall be penalized by imprisonment for six (6) months to one (1) year, or a fine of 
One Hundred Thousand Pesos (PlOO,OOO.OO) for each act, in violation of this 
provision. 
SEC. 12. Privileges of owners of registered works.. - The owners of listed sites 
who undertake the preservation, conservation, restoration or renovation of their 
property included in the National Landmarks Register shall be entitled to income tax 
creditsequivalent TO the value added tax paid on the materials and labor used in the 
said undertaking. 
SEC. 13. Appropriations. - For the initial implementation of this Act, the 
amount of Fifty Million Pesos (P50,000,000.00) shall be appropriated. Thereafter, 


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the NHI shall submit to the Department of Budget and Management the appropriate 
budgetary appropriation to ensure the implementation of this Act. 
SEC. 14. Repealing Clause. - AU laws, decrees, rules and issuances OS parts 
thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified 
accordingly. 
SEC. 15. Separability Clause. - If for any reason, any provision of this Act is 
declared unconstitutional or invalid, such sections or parts not affected thereby shall 
remain in full force .. and effect. 
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SEC. 16. Efictivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after 
its full publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved,