FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
SENATE 
S. No. 2485 
) 
) 
) 
, . 
,., 
Introduced by Senator Manuel "lito" M. Lapid 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
1[J£P -7 Ptl :12 
The provIsions of 
Articl~ XIV, Section 14 of the 1987 Philippine 
Constitution provides that "the State shaff foster the preservation, enrichment 
and dynamic evolution of a Filipino national culture based on the principle 
of unity in diversity in a climate of free artistic and intellectual expression." 
Our heritage needs to be preserved for all to share and benefit. A nation is 
defined by its history and culture. Our graphic novels and all its write-ups reflect 
our history and culture. Our stories mirror the soul of our nation. The images in 
our graphic novels are reflections of our culture and society. It reflects our 
dreams and history as a nation. It is culturally irreplaceable and can last a long 
time, especially in expert hands. Unfortunately, many of our indigenous Filipino 
graphic novels of the past have already been lost forever, torn, shredded or 
decayed beyond reclaim, or irretrievably diSintegrated and destroyed. 
A graphic novel is a narrative work in which the story is conveyed to the 
reader using sequential art in either an experimental design or in a traditional 
comics format. The term is employed in a broad manner, encompassing non-
fiction works and thematically linked short stories as well as fictional stories 
across a number of genres. These graphic novels are typically bound in longer 
and more durable formats using the same materials and methods as printed 
books. They they are generally sold in bookstores and specialty comic book 
shops rather than at newsstands. Such books have gained increasing 
acceptance as desirable materials for libraries which once ignored comic books. 
Graphic novels are sometimes called long comic books. They cover 
generally fictional material in comic book form -
through the use of sequential 
illustrations. In some cases, a graphic novel is a compilation of several series of 
comics that begin and end a particular story arc. Some graphic novels offer 
terrific ways to educate children. Since they are full of illustrations, they are often 
attractive to young readers and can communicate stories about morals or events 
in history. Some are just pure fun, and enhance children's appreciation of and 
skill in reading. 
At present, graphic novels landed on the 12th spot of top selling Philippine 
fiction books for based on records of the largest bookstore chain in the country. It 


is also being used as reference and subject in gender studies courses in some 
Universities in the country. 
This proposed measure seeks to establish and institutionalize the 
Philippine National Graphic Novel Archive which shall preserve, conserve, 
restore and identify graphic novels that are historically, culturally, and 
aesthetically important to the Filipino identity. The proposed Philippine National 
Graphic Novel Archive is envisioned to be the treasure house of our country's 
indigenous graphic novels. 
The proposed Philippine National Graphic Novel Archive shall be 
responsible for acquiring, safeguarding, documenting and making graphic novels 
available to current and future generations for private study and publiC pleasure. 
In view of the foregoing, early passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
v40 
MANUEL "LITO" M. LAPID , 
Senator 
(Y'\' 


FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
SENATE 
S. No. 2485 
) 
) 
) 
Introduced by Senator Manuel "Lito" M. Lapid 
AN ACT 
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TO 
ESTABLISH 
THE 
PHILIPPINE 
NATIONAL 
GRAPHIC 
NOVEL 
ARCHIVE, 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER 
PURPOSES 
SECTION 
1. 
Short Title - This Act shall be known as the "Philippine 
National Graphic Novel Archive Act of 2010". 
SEC. 2. 
Declaration of Policy. -
It is a declared policy of the State to 
collect, preserve and make available graphic novel materials relevant to arts and 
culture, and promote the preservation of graphic novels and materials produced in the 
country. The State shall promote and support the preservation of indigenous graphic 
novels produced in the country as a medium for the upliftment of aesthetics, cultural and 
social values in order to promote better understanding and appreciation of the Filipino 
arts and culture. 
Towards this end, the State shall create a national archive for graphic novels 
which shall play a key role in documenting and interpreting the Filipino arts and 
experience in the field of graphic novels and proactively contribute to the development 
of the country's audiovisual industry. 
SEC. 3. 
Definition of Term. - As used under this Act, a "graphic novel" is a 
narrative work in which the story is conveyed to the reader using sequential art in either 
an experimental design or in a traditional comics format. The term is employed in a 
broad manner, encompassing non-fiction works and thematically linked short stories as 
well as fictional stories across a number of genres. 
SEC. 4. 
Establishment of the Philippine National Graphic Novel 
Archive. - There is hereby established a national archive for graphic novels in the 
country, constituted into a body corporate, by the name, style and title of "Philippine 
1 


National Graphic Novel Archive", to be known as the "Archive", with principal office 
in the Metro Manila area, to be placed under the supervision of the Office of the 
President. 
The Archive is envisioned to be the national archive, playing a key role in 
documenting and interpreting the Filipino arts and experience in the field of graphic 
novels and in actively contributing to the development of the country's graphic novel 
industry. 
The Archive shall collect, store, preserve and make available indigenous graphic 
novel materials relevant to arts and culture in the country. It shall serve as a storehouse 
in the preservation, presentation and development of graphic novels produced in the 
country. The national collection of the Archive shall include indigenous comics, 
photographs, 
sketches, 
supporting 
documents, 
artifacts, 
photographic stills, 
transparenCies, lobby cards, publicity, scripts, props, other relevant equipments for 
graphic novel development. 
The Archive shall make this national collection available to the people and to 
foster in them an appreciation of the role played by graphic novels in the creation and 
recording of our national culture and identity. 
SEC. 5. 
Purpose and Objectives. - The Philippine National Graphic Novel 
Archive shall be instituted to serve the following objectives and purposes, namely: 
a) 
to maintain, develop and manage a national collection of graphic novel 
materials, including a collection of documents and artifacts relating to the creation and 
distribution of graphic novels for the use and appreciation of the present and future 
generation of this country; 
b) 
to preserve and ensure the permanence of the national collection of 
graphic novels and related materials for the benefit of posterity and in the national 
interest; 
c) 
to make the national collection accessible to the widest possible audience 
in the country and internationally, according to adopted best practices and principles; 
d) 
to present the history, art, technology and culture of graphic novels in the 
country through a diversity of programs; 
e) 
to support and promote greater understanding and awareness of 
indigenous graphic novels though local and international promotions; 
f) 
to provide financial assistance through grant-in-aid and sponsor programs 
for the preservation and further enhancement of Filipino graphic novels; 
2 


g) 
to coordinate with other agencies in the government which perform 
functions related to culture and the arts; 
h) 
to promote a continuing program of research and development (R&D) on 
Filipino graphic novels, and disseminate the same through information, education and 
communication (IEC) campaigns; 
• 
i) 
to serve as an authoritative source of information relating to indigenous 
Filipino graphic novels; 
j) 
to act as trustee of indigenous Filipino graphic novels and related 
materials and other property vested in the Philippine National Graphic Novel Archive; 
and 
k) 
to charge reasonable fees and charges for the services performed by the 
Archive. 
In performing its functions, the Archive shall place an emphasis on the historical 
and cultural significance of indigenous Filipino graphic novelS, and its related material. 
In the same light, it shall use every endeavor to make the most advantageous use of the 
national collection in the national interest and apply the highest standards and best 
practices that will promote the efficient, effective and ethical use of public resources. 
SEC. 6. 
Powers and Functions. - The Philippine National Graphic Novel 
Archive (PNGNA) shall have all iegal powers appertaining to a juridical person, 
particularly the foJlowing power: 
a) 
to sue and be sued; 
b) 
to contract and be contracted with; 
c) 
to hold real and personal property as may be necessary for corporate 
purposes; 
d) 
to mortgage, lease, sell, transfer, convey and otherwise dispose of the 
same; 
e) 
to solicit and receive public and private donations and contributions; 
f) 
to accept and receive real and personal property by gift, devise or 
bequest; 
g) 
to levy and collect reasonable fees and dues for its services; 
h) 
to adopt a seal and to alter the same at pleasure; 
i) 
to have offices and conduct its affairs in the Metro Manila area and other 
regional offices; 
j) 
to make and adopt by-laws, rules and regulations consistent with the laws 
of the Philippines; and 
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k) 
to do all such acts and things as may be necessary or proper to carry into 
effect and promote the purposes for which it was organized. 
The seal and emblem of the Philippine National Graphic Novel Archive shall be 
kept in its national office. 
SEC. 7. 
Board of Directors of the Philippine National Graphic Novel 
Archive. - The Philippine National Graphic Novel Archive shall be governed and its 
assets, operations and activities be directed, controlled and managed by a Board of 
Directors, hereinafter referred to as the Board, composed of nine (9) members. 
SEC. 8. 
Composition of the Board of Directors. - The plans and 
programs of the Archive shall be reviewed by the Board of Directors composed of: 
1) 
The Secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd), as Chairman of 
the Board; 
2) 
The Chairperson of the 
National Archives of the Philippines, as Co-
Chairman; 
3) 
The Commissioner of the Commission on Higher Education, as member; 
4) 
The Chairperson of the National Commission of Culture and the Arts, as 
member; 
5) 
The Chairperson of the National Historical Institute, as member; 
6) 
The Chairperson of the National Commission on the Role of Filipino 
Women, as member; 
7) 
The Director of the National Museum, as member; 
8) 
(One) 1 representative from the Academe Sector engaged in the field of 
graphic novel; 
9) 
One) 1 representative from the local graphic novel industry in the country. 
The two (2) members of the Board of Directors coming from the representatives 
of the academe sector and the local graphic novel industry shall be appointed by the 
President of the Philippines, from a list of three (3) nominees from each sector, who 
shall serve for a term of three (3) years, and renewable for another term: Provided, That 
the person appointed shall be of good moral character, of unquestionable integrity, and 
with expertise and experience of a least six (6) years in their respective sector: 
Provided, further, That in the event of a vacancy, the successor appointed to fill the 
same shall serve only the unexpired portion of the term of the member he/she 
succeeded. 
4 


The members of the Board of Directors from the government agencies and 
institutions may designate their permanent representatives who shall have a rank not 
lower than an assistant secretary or its equivalent to attend meetings. 
All members of the Board of Directors shall receive emoluments as may be 
determined by the Archive, in accordance with existing budget and accounting rules and 
regulations. 
SEC. 9. 
Meetings. -
The Board of Directors of the Philippine National 
Graphic Novel Archive shall meet at least once (1) a month upon a three-day notice 
signed by the Chairperson or as often as necessary upon the written request signed by 
two-thirds (2/3) of its members. 
Subject to the provisions of existing laws, the Board may establish guidelines and 
procedures in the conduct of its meeting and deliberations. 
The Board is hereby mandated to keep a record of its deliberations and decisions 
in accordance with the provisions of this Act. 
SEC. 10. 
Quorum. - The presence of at least five (5) members of the Board 
shall constitute a quorum: Provided, however, That the Chairman, in his/her absence, 
the Vice Chairman, shall preside. 
SEC. 11. 
Functions of the Board of Directors. - The Board is responsible 
for ensuring the proper and efficient performance of the Philippine National Graphic 
Novel Archive's functions. 
The Philippine National Graphic Novel Archive Board shall have the following 
functions: 
a) 
To approve the program of activities of the Archive; 
b) 
To approve the proposed annual budget of the Archive; 
c) 
To approve the pertinent procedures and standards that will be 
implemented by the Archive in preserving and collecting indigenous 
Filipino graphic novels for the national databank; 
d) 
To do all things necessary or convenient to be done for or in connection 
with the performance of its duties. 
SEC. 12. 
Corporate Plan of the Archive. - The Board shall prepare a 
Corporate Plan for the Philippine National Graphic Novel Archive at least once a year. 
The Corporate Plan must include in details the following matters: 
(a) 
a statement of the strategic objectives that the Archive will pursue; 
5 


(b) 
the strategies and policies that the Archive will adopt to achieve their 
strategic objectives; 
(c) 
the performance indicators for the assessment of the Archive's 
performance of its functions; 
(d) 
the financial targets and projections of the Archive; 
(e) 
an analysis of factors likely to affect achievement of targets or create 
significant financial risk for the Archive; 
SEC. 13. 
Archive Secretariat and Administrator. - The Philippine National 
Graphic Novel Archive shall establish a Secretariat which shall serve as the technical 
support staff to effectively implement the provisions of this Act. 
The daily operations of the Philippine National Graphic Novel Archive shall be 
headed by an Archive Administrator who shall be apPointed by the President of the 
Philippines for a fixed term of six (6) years unless sooner removed for cause. He/she 
may be reappointed for another term of six (6) years: Provided, That no individual shall 
be reappointed as Administrator of the Archive more than once. 
In the event of death, resignation, or removal of the Administrator of the Archive 
during his/her term of office, his/her successor shall only serve the remaining term of 
the deceased, resigned, or removed Administrator. 
The Archive Administrator shall be responsible for the day-to-day operations of 
the Archive. He/she shall be responsible for the planning, implementation, monitoring 
and supervision of the Archive's program and projects. The Archive Administrator shall 
implement the decisions and policies approved by the Board. 
The Archive Administrator is mandated to submit a written statement to the 
Board of all material personal interests that he/she may have acquired that shall conflict 
or could conflict with the proper performance of the his/her duties. 
The Archive Administrator shall possess the following qualifications: 
a. 
Must not be a Filipino citizen; 
b. 
Must have a substantial and relevant education and experience in the field 
of graphic novel industry for at least six (6) years; and 
c. 
Must be of good moral character and has no! been involved in a legal 
case involving moral turpitude. 
All other officers and employees of the Archive shall be appointed by the Archive 
Administrator, as approved by the Board, consistent with the provisions of the Civil 
Service laws, rules and regulations. 
The Philippine National Graphic Novel Archive may engage the services of 
consultants to assist the Archive in the performance of its functions. 
6 


SEC. 14. 
Access to the Archive. - The Board of Directors of the Philippine 
National Graphic Novel Archive shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations 
for accessing the graphic novels and its related materials by legitimate users and may 
charge fees for the use thereof: Provided, That copying or duplication shall not be 
allowed except with the written permission of the copyright holder. 
SEC. 15. 
The Philippine National Graphic Novel Archive is hereby authorized 
to plan, construct, develop, improve, acquire, or lease buildings, and other facilities, to 
purchase machineries, equipment, materials and supplies as may be necessary to carry 
out its functions and objectives. 
Moreover, the Archive shall enjoy exemption from taxes and other duties in the 
importation of such machineries and equipment, subject to the provisions of the Tariff 
and Customs Code, the National. Internal Revenue Code and the provisions on 
Automatic Appropriations under the General Appropriations Act. 
SEC. 16. 
Appropriation. 
The 
amount 
of 
Fifty 
Million 
Pesos 
(Php50,OOO,OOO.OO) is hereby authorized to be appropriated from the Special Activities 
Fund of the President of the Republic of the Philippines for the initial implementation of 
this Act. Thereafter, such sum required for its operation, maintenance, research, 
development and extension activities shall be included in the annual General 
Appropriations Act. 
SEC. 17. 
Revolving Fund. - Any and all savings and income of the 
Philippine National Graphic Novel Archive shall constitute a revolving fund which shall 
not be reverted to the General Fund and which shall be used by the Archive in the 
furtherance of its goals and objectives. 
SEC. 18. 
Annual Report to Congress. - The Philippine National Graphic 
Novel Archive is hereby mandated to submit to both Houses of Congress an Annual 
Report of the accomplishments of the Archive consistent with the provisions of this Act. 
The annual report of the Archive shall include a detailed report on the financial 
utilization and disposition of the resources allocated and entrusted to the Archive. 
SEC. 19. 
Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). - Within six (6) 
months after the effectivity of this Act, the Department of Education (DepEd), in 
coordination with the Commission on Higher Education, National Commission of Culture 
and the Arts, National Historical Institute, and the National Museum, shall promulgate 
7 


" 
• 
the necessary implementing rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this 
Act. 
SEC. 20. 
Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and 
regulations or parts thereof not consistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby 
repealed or modified accordingly. 
SEC. 21. 
Separability Clause. - If any provision or part of this Act, or the 
application thereof to any person or .circumstance, is held unconstitutional or invalid, the 
remainder of this Act shall not be affected thereby. 
SEC. 22. 
Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days 
from the date of its complete publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) 
newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved, 
8