Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS

irst Regular Session

437

House Bill Ni

Introduced by Hon. Rodolfo G. Biazon

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The word “Museum conjures images of artifacts, antiques, valuable paintings, and
the like. Such a restricted notion or view of a museum does not give the Filipino a correct,
picture of our National Museum. One would be surprised to learn that the National Museum
has several divisions, with concerns and interests so diverse yet all pertaining to our national
heritage.

Botany, anthropology, archaeology, zoology, geology, museum education, and
cultural properties are the seven (7) divisions that comprise the National Museum. Given the
sacred task of undertaking research, education and preservation of our culture, the National
Museum explores our country’s land and water in search of new, undiscovered, plants,
animals, and things, whether tangible or otherwise, that are indigenous to us. Thus, it has
scientists in its employ to research, verify and authenticate its finds from such a huge scope.

‘To present the artifacts, paintings, or “collection” that it safeguards, the National
Museum has nineteen (19) regional museums scattered throughout the country. Ten (10) of,
these, regrettably, need immediate rehabilitation. ‘The scant resourees that the museum
receives does not allow the simultaneous repair of these branches though, with the bare eye,
one can see the weakness of the structures, the traces of termite infestation, and other
indications of damage that are more critical than peeling and fading paint,

Though Republic Act No. 8492 gave the National Museum its permanent home and
gave provisions for funding, specifically sec. 23 which created the Muscum Endowment
Fund, the two government agencies, the Philippine Amusements and Gaming Corporation
(PAGCOR) and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), that were supposed to
contribute to this Fund has been quite remiss in complying with the law. Even sec. 26 which
is supposed to give the museum a measure of financial relief through the creation of a
revolving fund, has yet to be enjoyed by the museum.

Imagine the horrifying thought of losing priceless artifacts just because we had to
scrimp on security, or the degeneration of works of art by our national artists due to increased
humidity brought about by decreased air conditioning. The nominal savings brought about
by excessive frugality cannot replace what may forever be lost. Aside from dripping pipes



and unpaid electricity bills, the museum faces a host of problems ~ not quite unlike @ boat
staying afloat despite massive leaks.

It is not only proper but high time that an institution that safeguards the heritage of
our nation should be given the financial capability and independence to carry out its mandate.

In order that this may come into fruition, this bill seeks to authorize the National
Museum to use part of its income to augment its operational requirements of its operations.

Due to the foregoing, immediate passage of this bill is earnestly requested.

RODOLFOG. BIAZON
Representative
Lone District, Muntinlupa City


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRE

First Regular Session

House Bill No. 497

Introduced by Hon, Rodolfo G. Biazon

AN ACT
AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NUMBERED EI 'Y-ROUR HUNDRED NINETY-
TWO, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE NATIONAL MUSEUM AC

Be it enacted by the
Congress assembled:

Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in

SECTION 1. S
follows:

tion 26 of Republic Act No. 8492 is hereby amended to read as

“Section 26. [Revolving Fund| USE OF INCOME.
NATIONAL MUSEUM IS AUTHORIZ SE \¢ [of the
Museum] not exceeding the amount of [Two] FIVE Pesos
{(P2,000,000)| (P5,000,000) ANNUALLY derived from the proceeds of the
sales of reproductions, cultural items, publications, creation, restoration,
conservation, identification, fauthentication,] earnings from planetarium
programs, ENTRANCE F!
constituted as

THE OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS © OF THE MUSi KUM SUCH
AS, BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

‘The

26.1 UPGRADING AND = MODERNIZATION — OF
COMMUNICATION AND TRANSPORTATION FACILI

26.2. REPAIR AND REHABILITATION OF STRUCTURES
AND FACILITI HAT HOUSE ITS OFFICES, COLLECTIONS
AND ACQUI .

26.3 UPDATE ITS INSI

JRANCE PAYMENTS;

26.4, INCREASE THE LEVEL OF SECURITY IT CURRENTLY
EMPLOYS; AND

26.5. FUND EXPENSES INCURRED IN
REPRODUCTION/ACQUISITION OF — CULTURAL.



PUBLICATIONS, CREATIONS, RESTORATION AND
CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMS, PLANETARIUM PROGRAMS AND
OTHER AUXILIARY ACTIVITIES, SUBJECT TO THE SUBMISSION
OF A SPECIAL BUDGET PURSUANT TO SECTION 35, CHAPTER V,
BOOK VI OF EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 292: PROVIDED, THAT NO
AMOUNT OF SAID INCOME SHALL BE USED TO FUND
PERSONAL SERVICES EXPENDITURES.”

Sec. 2. Implementing Rules. ~ Within one hundred twenty (120) days after the
effectivity of this Act, the Director of the National Museum shall promulgate the
implementing rules and regulations necessary for the effective implementation of this Act,

Sec. 3. Repealing Clause. — All laws, executive orders and regulations inconsistent
with or contrary to this Act are hereby considered repealed and/or amended accordingly.

Sec. 4. Separability Clause. ~ If any section or provision of this Act is declared
unconstitutional or invalid, the other sections or provisions not affected thereby shall remain
in full force and effect.

5. Bffectivity. ~ This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after publication in
the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,