FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
9 JIJ. -4 
I’ 
First Regular Session 
) 
Introduced by Senator Loren Legarda 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
This bill seeks to protect, preserve, conserve, recognize and identify significant 
landmarks in the country and ensure the preservation of the same for future 
generations. 
Section 15, Article XV of the 1987 Philippine Constitution states that the State 
shall conserve, promote and popularize the nation’s historical and cultural heritage and 
resources, as well as artistic creations. 
Pursuant to this policy, Republic Act No. 7356 otherwise known as the Law 
Creating the National Commission for Culture and the Arts was enacted in 1992 to 
formulate policies for the development of culture and arts, implement these policies in 
coordination with affiliated cultural agencies, coordinate the implementation of 
programs of these affiliated agencies, administer the National Endowment Fund for 
Culture and Arts (NEFCA), encourage artistic creation within a climate of artistic 
freedom, develop and promote the Filipino national culture and arts, and preserve 
Filipino cultural heritage. Part of the National Commission on the Culture and the Arts’ 
mandates is to conserve and promote the nation’s historical and cultural heritage by 
supporting and promoting the establishment and preservation of cultural and historical 
monuments, markers, names and sites. 
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) 
lists as World Heritage Sites in the Philippines the following: Baroque Churches of the 
Philippines, including San Agustin Church, Intramuros, Manila; Paoay Church, Paoay, 
Ilocos Norte; Nuestra Sefiora de la Asuncion (Santa Maria) Church Santa Maria, Ilocos 
Sur; Santo Tomas de Villanueva (Miag-ao) Church, Miag-ao, Iloilo, Historic Town of 
Vigan , Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park, Rice Terraces of the 
Philippine Cordilleras and the Tubbataha Reef Marine Park. On the other hand, some of 
the cultural and historical landmarks in the Philippines include: Andres Bonifacio 
Monument, Chinatown Binondo District in Manila, Corregidor Island in Mariveles, 
Bataan, EDSA Shrine, Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine, Far Eastern University in the City of 
Manila (largest ensemble of Art Deco structures in the Philippines) Fort Santiago in 
Intramuros, Manila, Heritage City of Vigan in Ilocos Sur, Intramuros Walled City in 
Manila, Lapu-lapu Monument, Las Pifias Bamboo Organ in Las Piiias City, Magellan’s 
Cross in Cebu City, Magellan’s Monument, Malacanang Palace, Manila Cathedral and 
San Agustin Church in Intramuros, Manila, Marcella AgonciIlo National Landmark, San 
Agustin Church in Paoay, Ilocos Norte, Rizal Shrine and Santo Tomas Church in 
Miagao, Iloilo,declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1973. 


There is valid reason to believe that there are still landmarks and historical sites 
that have yet to be identified, preserved and protected for future generations. The lack 
of funds for this purpose prevents the government from fulfilling its task to preserve 
and conserve the Filipino historical and cultural heritage and resources. Despite the 
presence of the State policy and the implementing law, legislation is still needed to 
provide a more focused approach to vigorously pursue the identification, preservation 
and protection of national landmarks and historical sites. This proposed measure aims 
to respond to that need thru the National Landmarks Council. 
Under this bill, 
national landmark are sites, structures, properties and 
landscapes, whether natuld or manmade, designated as such by national legislation 
pursuant to procedures prescribed herein, that are worthy of rehabilitation, restoration 
and preservation because of their historic, cultural and architectural significance to 
Philippine society; 
This proposed law aims to establish and maintain a National Landmark Register 
to administer and oversee the listing of sites therein, as well as conduct public 
consultations to determine which sites, places, culturaI landscapes or other such built 
heritcge shall be included therein. Likewise,-the National Landmarks Endowment Fund 
is hereby created exclusively for the purpose of conservation, restoration, preservation, 
reconstruction and protection of national landmarks, and all activities pursuant thereto. 
In view of the foregoing, immediate passage of this bill is earnestly requested. 
LOREN LEGARDA 
Senator 


FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
7 
&I 
-4 
J .L! 
First Regular Session 
) 
Introduced by Senator Loren Legarda 
AN ACT 
PROVIDING FOR THE PROTECTION, PRESERVATION AND RESTORATION OF 
NATIONAL LANDMARKS, ESTABLISHING THE NATIONAL LANDMARKS 
COUNCIL FOR THE PURPOSE, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR 
OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it cnacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. This Act shall be known as the “National Landmarks 
Conservation Act of 2007” 
SECTION. 2. 
Declaration of Principle. - It shall be the policy of the state to 
conserve, promote, and popularize the nation’s historical and cultural heritage and 
resources, as well as artistic creations. All the country’s artistic and historic wealth 
constitutes the cultural treasure of the nation and shall be under the protection of the 
State which may regulate ita disposition. Pursuant to the mandate of the Constitution, 
the State shall hereby undertake endeavors that embody the various facets of Philippine 
culture. 
SECTION. 3. Definition of Terms. For the purposes of this law, the following 
terms are defined 
1. Architectural Style is the mode of the landmark which distinguishes the same 
from designs and craftsmanship of other periods, types, methods of 
construction, such as the use of indigenous materials; 
2. Cultural significance is the extreme beauty, unique location or singular physical 
characteristic which makes the same recognized as a national icon; 
3. Historical Importance is the attribute of a landmark which‘makes the same a 
significant part of the national or local history, as may be determined by the 
National Historical Institute, or as independently declared by the Council as 
mandated under this Act; 
4. National Landmark are sites, structures, properties and landscapes, whether 
natural or manmade, designated as such by national legislation pursuant to 
procedures prescribed herein, that are worthy of rehabilitation, restoration and 
preservation because of their historic, cultural and architectural significance to 
Philippine society; 


5. Technological, engineering or construction expertise is the attribute of the 
landmark which embodies the highest technology or craftsmanship of an era; 
and, 
6. Utilitarian structure is the unique framework for which the landmark is known, 
such as but not limited to farmhouses or other vernacular architecture, gas 
stations, stadia, warehouses, commercial structures, lighthouses, and other such 
structures with a high level of architectural significance. 
SECTION 4. National Landmarks Council. The National Landmarks Council, 
herein after referred to as the Council, is hereby created as an attached agency of 
Department of Tourism to establish and implement policies for the protection, 
preservation, conservation, recognition and identification of significant landmarks. The 
CounciI shall act as the lead agency in the development of such landmarks, in 
cooperation with concerned government and non-government agencies. 
SECTION 5. Composition of the Council. The Council shall be composed of the 
following members who shall hold the corresponding positions: 
a. The Secretary of the Department of Tourism, in his ex-officio capacity 
as Chairman of the Council; 
b. The Chairman of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts 
(NCCA) in his ex-officio capacity as Vice Chair; 
c. The Chairman of the National Historical Institute (NHI), in his ex- 
officio capacity as Secretary; 
d. The Secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government 
(DILG), in his ex-officio capacity as member; 
e. The Executive Director of' the National Museum, in his ex-officio 
capacity as member; 
f. The Executive Director of the Council, who shall be appointed under 
this Act, as member; 
g. The Chairman of the Commission for Cultural Heritage of the United 
Nations Educational Scientific Cultural Organization (UNESCO), as 
member; and, 
h. Four (4) members from the private sector who shall be appointed by 
the 
President 
from 
bonafide 
concerned 
non-government 
organizations, 
including professional 
associations, based 
on 
competence and expertise in the field of culture, arts, heritage and 
Philippine history. 


The non ex -officio members of the Council shall serve their term for six (6) 
years and shall receive per diem for actual attendance in the meetings of the Council, 
subject to pertinent government rules on accounting auditing; Provided, that, the 
Council shall meet at least once a month. 
The members of the Council may receive other allowances and reimbursements 
relative to their functions, duties and responsibilities as members of the Council, subject 
to pertinent government riles on accounting auditing, and to rates in accordance with 
existing laws. 
SECTION 6. Powers and Functions of the Council. The Council shall have the 
following powers and function: 
a. Establish a Secretariat under the Executive Director for the 
implementation of policies and administrative operations; 
b. Set up a system of networking, coordination and nationwide 
implementation of 
preservation, 
conservation, restoration of 
landmarks and other policies through the respective local 
government units, in coordination with private sector organizations; 
c. Generate resources from both private and government agencies, both 
international and local, for its operations as well as for the National 
Landmaiks Endowment Fund, as hereby created and herein after 
referred to as the Endowment Fund. 
d. Serve as conduit for all international government funding for. the 
protection, conservation and restoration of national landmarks; 
Provided, that pertinent rules and regulations shall be issued by the 
Council for administration of all funding including the Endowment 
Fund; 
e. Administer the Endowment Fund and give grants for the protection, 
preservation, conservation, reconstruction and restoration of national 
landmarks; 
f. Establish and maintain the National Landmark Register, as hereby 
created under this Act, administer and oversee the listing of sites 
therein, as well as conduct public consultants to determine which 
sites, places, cultural landscapes or other such built heritage shall be 
included therein; Provided, that, the Council shall promulgate the 
necessary rules and regulations pursuant to the selection of listings in 
the Register. 


g. Monitor and ensure the enforcement of laws, rules and regulations in 
the protection, preservation, conservation, reconstruction and 
restoration of listed sites; 
h. Advise the President on all matters relating to built heritage, and 
coordinate with the national and local governments in relation 
governn-lent utilization of such sites and structures; 
i. ,Maintain national and international institutional linkages; 
j. Review and propose protective zoning and assist in the creation of 
special zoning laws and ordinances to appropriate authorities in 
relation to built heritage; 
k. Set and promote national standards for restoration, conservation and 
reconstruction work; Provided, that all such undertakings, be it by the 
national or local government, shall be subjected to these standards; 
1. Educate the public and create greater awareness on built heritage, 
and pursuant to this shall undertake to provide the Department of 
Educatioh Culture and Sports and the NCCA with copies of the 
Register and other important data on built heritage; and 
m. Promulgate rules, regulations and undertake any and all measures 
necessary to implement this Act. 
In addition to the aforementioned duties, each ex officio member of the Council 
shall ensure the coordination and cooperation of his or her respective agency in the 
implementation of the Council's established policies. 
SECTION 7. The Secretariat and the Executive Director. Within one hundred 
(120) days from the approval of this Act, the Council shall organize a Secretariat to be 
headed by an Executive Director, who must be either an architect, engineer or member 
of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, and must have at least ten (10) years experience 
in his chosen profession. Furthermore, the Executive Director miist possess utmost 
integrity and good moral character. He shall be appointed by the President; provided, 
that the President shall take into consideration the recommendations of the private 
sector representative of theCounci1. 
SECTION 8. National Landmarks Endowment Fund. The National Landmarks 
Endowment Fund is hereby established exclusively for the purpose of coxrwvation, 
restoration, preservation, reconstruction and protection of national landmarks, and all 
activities pursuant thereto: 


The Endowment Fund shall be sourced from the following: 
1.) The amount of five hundred fifty million pesos (500,000,000) as seed capital 
shall be taken from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation 
(PAGCOR), at the rate of twenty million pesos a month for twenty- five (25) 
months; Provided, that no grant shall be awarded from the Endowment Fund 
except from the interest drawn from the same; Provided, further, that no grant 
shall be warned until after one (1) year from the establishment of the 
Endowment Fund; and 
2.) Five percent (5%) from the annual allotment of the travel tax ghen to the 
Philippine Tourism Authority. 
Other government corporations, such as the Government Service Insurance 
System, the Social Security System, are authorized to give grants to the Endowment 
Fund at their discretion. Private persons or corporations may likewise donate to the 
Endowment Fund; provided, that such contributions are subject to tax deductions or 
exemption pursuant to the provisions of the National Internal Revenue Code. 
SECTION 9. National Landmarks Register. The Council shall establish the 
National Landmarks Register, herein after referred to as the Register, which shall list all 
landmarks with any of the following attributes: 
1. Historical Importance 
2. Character; 
3. Distinct Architectural Style; 
4. National Artist’s Work; 
5. Architectural Significance; 
6. Technological, engineering or construction expertise; 
7. Viability 
8. Cultural landscape 
9. Unique utilitarian structures; and, 
10. Other significant attributes 5s determined by the Council. 
SECTION 10. Markers. The Council shall cause an appropriate marker to be 
attached to the structure or work proclaiming its significance. 
The municipal or city government shall, within one year of the listing of the site 
in the Register, proclaim the structure as such in the appropriate legal form. All local 
government units may provide additional incentives for the maintenance, restoration, 
reconstructions, conservation, or protection of a registered work. 
SECTION 11. Obligptions of Owners and Possessors of Registered Landmarks. 
The owners and possessors of the landmarks or structures included in the Registry shall 
be ensured of the maintenance, protection and continued structural integrity of such 
landmarks. 
Any changes, alterations, deviations to be made by the owners or 
possessors of registered landmarks on the original structure must be cleared with the 
Council, which shall issue the necessary permits and clearances after inspection and 
study of the structure and its proposed designs. 
If the owners or possessors of registered landmarks refuse, by his act or 
omission, to abide by the provisions of this Act, or in any manner violate section 12 of 
this Act, the Council shall undertake expropriation proceedings on the subject property. 


Failure to recompense the Council within a period of five years shall entitle the 
Council to alienate the property or work in favor of a third person who shall undertake 
the possession and/or ownership of the subject property or work after full restitution to 
the Council of the amount, and any expenditures for rentals. The third party must also 
compensate the owner and or the possessor of the property or work in accordance with 
registered property values. 
SECTION 12. Stages of Protection on Registered Landmarks. Any changes 
made n registered property must be subject to the clearance of the Council; Provided, 
that changes shall be allowed by the Council after inspection and determination of 
applicability, and upon determination of the level of protection enjoyed by the subject 
registered work. ' 
The Council shall issue the necessary clearance and permits 
appurtenant thereto. 
SECTION 13. Council-restored and reconstructed Landmarks. The owner or 
possessor of a registered landmarks has the primary responsibility for the restoration, 
repairs maintenance and conservation of the subject landmark; Provided, that if after 
notice to the owners or possessors of the subject property, the landmark is allowed to 
deteriorate or otherwise not conserved, repaired or maintained in accordance with the 
standards set by the Council, the Council shall undertake the necessary repairs, 
maintenance, conservation or restoration work. Pursuant to this, the Council shall have 
a lien on the subject structure and/or land, if applicable, in the amount expended for 
the necessary work on the structure. 
The council shall notify the Registrar of Deeds or other such authority, or any 
work that is to be undertaken on registered works, even prior to the commencement of 
such work for the protection of innocent this parties. 
SECTION 14. 
Penal Provision. 
Destruction, demolition, restoration, 
renovation or any changes or alterations or deviations form the original structure, or 
any construction work on the original structure without the written authority of the 
Council shall be penalized by imprisonment from six months to one year, of a fine of 
twenty-five thousand pesos (P25,000,00) for each act in violation of this provision. 
SECTION 15. 
Review. The listings in the Register shall be subject to review 
every five years by the Council. The may withdraw a structure from the Register, after 
deliberation, subject to the standards in Section 9 of this Act. 
SECTIQN 16. 
Applicability. This law shall be applicable to all registered 
works, whether owned or possessed by the government or private persons. 
SECTION 17. 
.Repealing Clause. All laws, rules, regulations and other 
issuances or parts thereof which are inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or 
modified accordingly. 
SECTION 18. 
Effectivity. This Act shall take effect immediately upon its 
approval. 
Approved,