NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
of tl)c &•: 'TtaiP
23 FEB 15 PI 59
RECEIVED GY.
SENATE
S.B. No. 1 885
Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE NATIONAL HEROES COUNCIL UNDER THE
NATIONAL HISTORICAL COMMISSION OF THE PHILIPPINES, 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The 1987 Constitution provides that educational institutions shall inculcate 
patriotism, nationalism, and appreciation of the role of national heroes in the 
historical development of the country.
Currently, there is no law, executive order, or proclamation enacted or issued 
that officially proclaims any Filipino historical personage as a "National Hero," hence 
compelling the President, Congress, national agencies, and local government units 
to, individually and sporadically, declare heroes' days and holidays, as requested.
On 15 November 1995, after careful deliberation and thorough study, nine 
(9) Filipinos were recommended as "National Heroes' by the National Heroes 
Committee, supposed to be established by Executive Order No. 75, series of 1993, 
as follows: (1) Jose Rizal, (2) Andres Bonifacio, (3) Emilio Aguinaldo, (4) Apolinario 
Mabini, (5) Marcelo H. del Pilar, (6) Sultan Dipatuan Kudarat, (7) Juan Luna, (8) 
Melchora Aquino, and (9) Gabriela Silang. However, despite the submission of the 
report to the Secretary of the Department of Education and Congress, no action has 
since been taken.
Thus, this bill seeks to create a National Heroes Council, within the National 
Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), which shall have the duty to select 
and study exceptional Filipino personages as "National Heroes," in recognition of 
their personal accomplishments and invaluable contribution to the nation.
Therefore, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
R. MARCOS


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
of tiji' ferii'fl-irj?
23 FEB 15 Pl:59
RECEIVED BY;
S.B. No
SENATE1885
Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS
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AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE NATIONAL HEROES COUNCIL UNDER THE 
NATIONAL HISTORICAL COMMISSION OF THE PHILIPPINES, 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
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 "National Heroes 
Council Act."
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. -It is hereby declared the policy of the State to 
ensure that educational institutions shall inculcate patriotism, nationalism, and 
appreciation of the role of national heroes in the historical development of the country. 
The National Heroes of the Philippines whose great sacrifice and inedible legacy should 
be honored, as mandated by the Constitution, for the youth's inspiration and 
emulation.
SEC. 3. National Heroes Council - There is hereby created and established the 
National Heroes Council, hereinafter referred to as the "Council," which shall be under 
the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP). The Council shall have 
the duty to study, evaluate, recommend, select, and declare Filipino personages as 
"National Heroes," in recognition of their personal accomplishments and invaluable 
contribution to the nation and in accordance to the criteria provided in Sec. 5 of this 
Act.
SEC. 4. Composition. - The Council shall be composed of the following:
(a) Chairperson of the NHCP;
(b) One (1) representative from the Department of Education (DepEd);
(c) One (1) representative from the National Commission for Culture and the 
Arts (NCCA); and


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(d)Two (2) members from the academe who specialize on Philippine History.
Provided that, the NHCP Chairperson shall be considered as the 
Chairperson of the Council. Provided further that, the members mentioned 
in subparagraphs (a) to (c) shall be considered as ex officio members of the 
Council.
The Chairperson, from time to time, may require the participation of such 
other government agencies or instrumentalities in the Council, as may be 
deemed necessary.
SEC. 5. Guidelines in the Selection of National Heroes. - The Council shall adopt 
the following guidelines for the selection and declaration of "National Heroes," as 
follows:
(a) Has made a significant and lasting contribution to the country;
(b) Has enriched the lives of others;
(c) Has contributed to the quality of life of the people;
(d) Considered as outstanding in their area of activity; and
(e) Whose biography inspired the country.
SEC. 6. All departments, bureaus, offices, agencies and instrumentalities of the 
Government, including Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations, and private 
institutions are hereby directed to extend the fullest support to the Council in the 
performance of its duties.
SEC. 7. Appropriation. - The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of 
this Act shall be included in the budget of the NHCP in the General Appropriations Act 
(GAA).
SEC. 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Council shall issue the 
necessary rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this Act within ninety 
(90) days from the effectivity of this Act.
SEC. 10. Separability Clause. - If for any reason, any provision of this Act is 
declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions not affected shall 
remain in full force and effect.
SEC. 11. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,