Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Third Regular Session

HOUSE BILL no 8325

Introduced by HON. LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The National Museum of the Philippines houses and acquires art, specimens and cultural
and historical artifacts that are representative of the unique Filipino cultural heritage and the
natural history of the Filipino people. It manages and develops the national reference
collections of cultural heritage and natural history and displays them in key locations around
the country. In 2016, the National Museum main, located at the old Congress building in
Padre Burgos, saw a 30% increase in visitors as tourists and locals flocked the exhibits in
the National Museum Complex. This year, the National Museum of National History of the
Philippines opened and is expected to increase the growing interests of Filipinos for
museums.

This legislation hopes to strengthen the mandate of the National Museum and further protect
our national treasures, especially national artists being preyed on by syndicates. As the
National Museum is envisioned as the premier institution and repository of our heritage, it is
only right that we support it as it becomes a place that inspires people to learn about the
Filipino cultural heritage and natural history.

The bill proposed intends to give the National Museum more flexibility in generating and
spending its income to fund its redevelopment. The income mostly comes from donations
from the private sector and the national government. Additionally, collectible items acquired
by the National Museum through donations shall also qualify for income or inheritance tax
deductions based on their estimated market value. The funds shall also be used to purchase
much needed equipment and collection items.

The approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

I

LUIS Ri ID “LRAY” /ILLAFUERTE, JR.


Republic of the WPbilippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Queson City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 8325

Introduced by HON. LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR.

AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE RETENTION AND UTILIZATION OF THE INCOME
DERIVED BY THE NATIONAL MUSEUM, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE
SECTION 26 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8492, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE
“NATIONAL MUSEUM ACT OF 1998”

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines
in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Section 26 of Republic Act No. 8492 is hereby amended to read as
follows:

“SEC. 26 [Revolving Fund] USE OF INCOME. - The NATIONAL MUSEUM IS
AUTHORIZED TO USE ITS income [of the museum] not exceeding the amount of
[TWO] FIVE million pesos [(2,000,000)] (P5,000,000) ANUALLY derived from the
proceeds of the sales of reproductions, cultural items, publications, creation,
restoration, conservation, identification, [authentication,] earnings from planetarium
programs, ENTRANCE FEES, and other auxiliary [shall be constituted as a revolving
fund for the use of the museum] TO AUGMENT THE OPERATIONAL
REQUIREMENTS OF THE MUSEUM SUCH AS, BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

“26.1 UPGRADING AND MODERNIZATION OF COMMUNICATION AND
TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES;


“26.2 REPAIR AND REHABILITATION OF STRUCTURES AND FACILITIES THAT
HOUSE ITS OFFICES, COLLECTIONS AND ACQUISITIONS;

“26.3 UPDATE ITS INSURANCE PAYMENTS;

“26.4 INCREASE THE LEVEL OF SECURITY EQUIPMENT IT CURRENTLY
UTILIZES; AND

“26.5 FUND EXPENSES INCURRED IN THE REPRODUCTION/ACQUISITION OF
CULTURAL ITEMS, PUBLICATIONS, CREATIONS, PROGRAMS, PLANETARIUM
PROGRAMS AND OTHER AUXILLARY 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”

SECTION 2. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — 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.

SECTION X. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect in fifteen (15) days after

publication in the Official Gazette or in one (1) newspaper of general circulation in
the Philippines.

Approved,