& REPRESS

E- Filed ”
RECEIVED

Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

NINETEENTH CONGRESS TIME _10:15 am

First Regular Session

House Bit No. 1527

Introduced by Representative Roman T. Romulo

AN ACT
INSTITUTING THE CHARTER OF THE NATIONAL LIBRARY OF THE PHILIPPINES, DEFINING ITS
OBJECTIVES, POWERS, AND FUNCTIONS, REPEALING FOR THIS PURPOSE ACT NOS. 222,
1849, 1935, 2572, 3477, EXECUTIVE ORDER 94, and REPUBLIC ACT NOS. 3873, and 10087

Explanatory Note

Itis stated in our Constitution that the arts and letters shall enjoy the patronage of the
State. Towards this end, the State shall conserve, promote, and popularize the nation’s
historical and cultural heritage and resources, as well as artistic creations. The State shall
also promote the moral and intellectual well-being of the people; elevate the literacy level
of every Filipino; and recognize the vital role of knowledge and information in nation-
building.

In this light, this bill seeks to establish the Charter of the National Library of the
Philippines. The National Library of the Philippines, as it is known today, dates back to August
12, 1887, where its precursor, the Museo-Biblioteca de Filipinas, was established through a
royal decree. Throughout the decades, it has been operating without an original charter.
Various laws were enacted which only touched upon the nomenclature of the National
Library. Evidently, there exists a need for the enactment of a law which will define the
functions and structure of the National Library of the Philippines to be able to serve the
demands of our rich history and our people.

The International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) and the United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) define a public library as “an
organization established, supported and funded by the community, either through local,
regional or national government or through some other form of community organization. It
provides access to knowledge, information and works of the imagination through a range of
resources and services and is equally available to all members of the community regardless of
race, nationality, age, gender, religion, language, disability, economic, employment status
‘and educational attainment” (Gill, 2001). It exists to serve communities. It is a “democratic

DATE July 7, 2022

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equalizer, open to all and providing access to information that helps people improve their
individual, family, and community lives (Scott, 2011).” In many jurisdictions, public library
services contribute to youth development, community health, agriculture, and community
and economic well-being. Aptly put, the IFLA UNESCO Public Manifesto says: “The public
library, the local gateway to knowledge, provides a basic condition for lifelong learning,
independent decision-making and cultural development of the individual and social groups”
(Elbert and Atuti, 2011).

The National Library of the Philippines (NLP) is the official repository of the printed
and recorded cultural heritage of the country and other intellectual, literary, and information
sources. It is only right that the State endeavors to continuously develop and enhance its
library facilities, relevant library resources, and dynamic services that contribute to the
intellectual, social, and cultural development of the Filipino society.

This bill effectively addresses the realities that have plagued the NLP for decades such
‘as the small fund allocation for public libraries, the lack of public librarians, lack of
infrastructures and facilities, as well as learning resources. This representation believes that
the development of the NLP, as an integral institution for lifelong learning, as well as the 1,455
public libraries it currently assists and the 40,000 public libraries which are yet to be
established and affiliated with the NLP, are intricately linked to the economic, social, and
educational development of our country.’ Through this measure, we are assured that our
libraries will not merely build collections or services. Rather, the libraries that we will establish
will effectively build communities. Our support only serves to benefit the millions of Filipinos
across the country.

In view of the foregoing, the approval of the proposed measure is earnestly requested.

es BEd
ROMAN T. ROMULO
Lone District, Pasig City

* Status of Philippine Public Libraries & Librarianship. 2018


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 1527

Introduced by Representative Roman T. Romulo

AN ACT
INSTITUTING THE CHARTER OF THE NATIONAL LIBRARY OF THE PHILIPPINES, DEFINING ITS
OBJECTIVES, POWERS, AND FUNCTIONS, REPEALING FOR THIS PURPOSE ACT NOS. 222,
1849, 1935, 2572, 3477, EXECUTIVE ORDER 94, and REPUBLIC ACT NOS. 3873, and 10087

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

SEC. 1. Short Title - This Act shall be known as the “THE CHARTER OF THE NATIONAL
LIBRARY OF THE PHILIPPINES.”

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - \t is hereby declared a policy of the State that the arts
and letters shall enjoy the patronage of the State. The State shall conserve, promote, and
popularize the nation’s historical and cultural heritage and resources, as well as artistic
creations. The State shall also promote the moral and intellectual well-being of the people:
elevate the literacy level of every Filipino; and recognize the vital role of knowledge and
information in nation-building.

Towards this end, the State shall establish The National Library of the Philippines as
the official repository of the printed and recorded cultural heritage of the country and other
intellectual, literary, and information sources. The State shall endeavor to continuously
develop and enhance its library facilities, relevant library resources, and dynamic services
that contribute to the intellectual, social, and cultural development of the Filipino society.

The National Library of the Philippines shall also manage, maintain, and support the
provincial, city, and municipal libraries, as well as the barangay reading centers, as provided
in this Act.


SEC. 3. Establishment of a National Library of the Philippines. - There is hereby
established a National Library of the Philippines (NLP). The NLP shall be the repository of the
printed and recorded cultural heritage of the country and other intellectual literary and
information sources. It shall continue to provide access to these resources for our people’s
intellectual growth, citizenship building, life-long learning, and enlightenment.

It shall be an affiliated cultural agency of the National Commission for Culture and the
Arts (NCA) and attached to the Office of the President for Budgetary purposes.

SEC. 4. Purposes and Objectives of the NLP. - The NLP shall have the following purposes
and objectives:

(a) To acquire, and preserve books, papers, documents, and periodicals of every kind or
class as well as Filipiniana Materials through various methods of acquisitions such as
purchase, donations, bequests, transfers of property, money, or books for the use of
NLP;

(b) To provide for an efficient online access to the different information resources and
national bibliographic services of the NLP, and the Philippine eLib;

(c) To be the lead organization in promoting digital library services online, especially in
the field of publishing works online;

(d) To establish and develop, in cooperation with the local government units, a system
of public libraries and information centers throughout the country;

{e) To promote, establish and maintain national and international standards in library
and information services;

(f) To conduct continuing research on Philippine Librarianship;

(g) To conduct training and assessment of the basics and standards of library practice
such as the maintenance of accession records and list of collections;

(h) To promote and collaborate with the Commission on Higher Education to include
programs in library science and related courses to ensure the increase in number of
course takers who can be fielded or employed in public libraries.

(i) To undertake related cultural activities under the provisions of Republic Act No.
10066, or the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009, which states that "the National
Library of the Philippines shall be responsible for rare and significant contemporary
Philippine books, manuscripts such as, but not limited to, presidential papers,
periodicals, newspapers, singly or in collection, and libraries and electronic records”;

(i) To become an institute of lifelong learning;

{k) To ensure the continuity of funding for the special tasks carried out in libraries and
centralized services;

(I) To uphold national pride by maintaining and preserving written history on behalf of
the government who is responsible for this obligation;

(m)To collect reasonable fees to those who will avail any of its services, such as entrance
fees for the use of its reading rooms, admission fees for its cultural activities, among
others; and

(n) To solicit and/or receive for and on behalf of the government, donations, grants,
bequests and the like, in relation to the NLP.



30

SEC. 5. Functions of the NLP -The NLP shall have the following functions:

(a) Exercise general supervision over public libraries and develop and minimum
standard of operations for all public libraries to follow which shall be the basis for
the evaluation of the performance of the public libraries;

(b) Provide initial allocation of materials to newly-affiliated public libraries;

(c) Continue to supply public libraries with other resources not included in the initial
allocation;

(d) invest in the development and introduction of innovative library services; and

{e) Perform such other functions that may be provided by law or in pursuant to the
purposes and objectives of the NLP.

SEC. 6. Board of Advisers. - There shall be constituted a Board of Advisers which shall
meet with the Management of the NLP at least twice a year to assist it in aligning its policies
and plans with the cultural, political and socioeconomic development needs of the nation and
with the demands of world-class resources of information.

The Board of Advisers shall be composed of the following:

(a) the Chairperson of the NCCA as chairperson;

(b) the Secretary of the Department of Education, as co-chairperson;

(c) the Chairperson of the Commission of Higher Education

(d) the Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology;

(e) the Secretary of the Department of Information and Communications
Technology;

(f) the President of the Philippine Librarian Association, Inc.; and

(g) the Commissioner of the NLP

SEC. 7. Management of the NLP . - The Management of the NLP shall be composed of
three (3) members. The Commissioner and two (2) Deputy Commissioners for Operations and
Administration, respectively. The Commissioner and the two (2) Deputy Commissioners shall
be appointed by the President of the Philippines for a fixed term of six (6) years. Vacancies in
the Commission shall be filled in the same manner in which the original appointment was
made.

The Commissioner must be at least thirty-five (35) years of age and of good moral
character, unquestionable integrity and known probity. Furthermore, the Commissioner
must have a master’s degree, 120 hours of managerial training for the last five years, five
years of supervisory experience, Career Service Executive or Career Executive Service
eligibility, and the Commissioner must be a licensed librarian and a recognized expert in the
field of information and library science. The Commissioner shalll enjoy the benefits, privileges
and emoluments equivalent to the rank of Undersecretary.

The Deputy Commissioners must be a licensed librarian and a recognized expert in the
field of information and library science. The Deputy Commissioners shall enjoy the benefits,
privileges and emoluments equivalent to the rank of Assistant Secretary.


SEC. 8. Powers and Functions of the Commissioner. — The management of the NLP
shall be vested in the Commissioner who shall have the following powers and duties:

{a) Serve as Chief Executive Officer of NLP, and directly manage, direct, and supervise its
day-to-day operations and internal administration;

(b) Sign all agreements and contracts entered into for and in behalf of the NLP, such as,
but not limited to, deeds of sale or donation for the acquisition of books and other
Filipiniana materials, contracts for consultation services, and memoranda of
agreement;

(c) Approve and authorize registration and issuance of copyright;

(d) Establish policies, standards, and guidelines related to the operation of the NLP and
the maintenance of the NLP system;

{e) Formulate and implement reasonable rules and regulations;

(f) Execute orders and directives from the NLP Board of Advisers;

(g) Appoint NLP personnel whose appointments are not vested in the President, and
discipline them according to Civil Service Rules;

(h) Direct the preparation of annual reports and budget;

(i) Represent NLP before any government office; and

(i) Exercise such other powers as may be necessary in the performance of his duties and
which may be vested in him/her by law, rule or regulation.

SEC. 9. Powers and Functions of the Deputy Commissioner. — The Deputy
Commissioners shall assist the Commissioner in the overall management of the NLP and shall
have the following functions and duties:

(a) Assist the commissioner in planning, directing, supervising, and coordinating the
functions of NLP;

(b) Assist in the formulation of policies and program activities of the office;

(c) Assist in organizing and directing the program of activities of the office as well as the
application procedures and standards;

(d) Supervise the preparation of periodic and special reports; and

(e) Act for the Commissioner in case of temporary incapacity or absence, subject to the
provisions of Section 9 of this Act.

SEC. 10. Power to Delegate. - The Commissioner may, by an instrument in writing,
delegate any function under this Act, subject to conditions, limitations or restrictions as may
be decided upon, to a person or class of persons who may perform those functions in the
same manner and with the same effect as if those functions had beer conferred on them
under this Act, subject to the provision of Sec. 40, Chapter 8, Book IV of Executive Order No.
292.

SEC. 11. The Divisions of The NLP. —The Administration of the NLP shall be divided into
12 Subdivisions, each headed by a Division Chief who must be a licensed librarian, as follows:

(a) Readers Services Division (RSD) shall provide information, reference, and research
services and resources to library users, and shall maintain reading room services for


(b)

(c)

(4)

(e)

(f)

(e)

(h)

i)

(i)

said purpose. It shall maintain and preserve foreign library materials as well as select
and recommend which library materials shall be acquired by NLP.

Copyright Division (CD) shall implement the provisions of Republic Act No. 8293 as
amended, otherwise known as the Intellectual Property Code which is a) to receive
registration of literary and artistic works and deposit with the NLP and the Supreme
Court Library (SCL) for the purpose of completing the records of the NLP under the
SCL; b) assign an exclusive license upon registration; c) receive the written instrument
which names the person or persons to be charged with the posthumous enforcements
of these rights; and, d) the power to determine and collect such fees for the discharge
of services under the Act.

Special Services Division (SSD) shall ensure that the facilities are accessible for all. It
shall: a) assist persons with disabilities and senior citizens in accessing various
information; b) maintain and organize Braille, LP, and audio tapes; c) transcribe print
to Braille and convert reference books to audio tapes; d) prepare guides to collections
for persons with disabi and e) undertake such other functions as may be
necessary to cater to persons with disabilities and senior citizens.

Technical Services Division (TSD) shall be responsible with the organization of printed
materials with regards to its technical aspects, including, but not limited to
bibliographic services, cataloguing, and other related services.

Human Resource Management Division (HRMD) shall be responsible for the selection,
hiring, appointment, transfer, promotion, or dismissal of personnel. Such system shall
aim to establish professionalism and excellence at all levels of the NLP in accordance
with sound principles of management;

Finance and Administrative Division (FAD) shall implement and execute the policies
laid down by the Commissioner relative to the organization, operation, and functions
of the library. It shall coordinate the activities of the various divisions with respect to
administrative and support services.

Information Technology Division (ITD) shall be responsible for the effective use of
information and communication technology (ICT) geared towards the improvement
of delivery of information and mandated services as well as the improvement of the
internal business processes of the NLP.

Public Libraries Division (PLD) shall implement the provisions of this law on the Public
Library System, in cooperation with local government units. It shall be the primary
liaison of the NLP with all public libraries in the country. It shall monitor and enforce
the minimum standards, qualifications, and services as stated in Section 11 of this
Charter. It shall conduct training for public librarians and assist in the operation of
public libraries.

Preservation and Conservation Division (PCD) shall be responsible for the conservation
of the Library's paper-based special collections through activities including:
conservation assessment, treatment, research, and housing; storage materials
procurement and testing; environmental monitoring and analysis; exhibition, loan,
and digitization evaluation and preparation; collections emergency management and
response;

Policy, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Division (PPMED) shall provide planning
standard guidelines for preparing the short, medium, and long term plans of the NLP;
integrate central and regional plans for funding and investment proposals; provide a
mechanism for monitoring physical and financial accomplishments; coordinate with



different units and offices affiliated with the NLP the conduct of policy studies and
review for effective, efficient and economical operations of the Library and generate
reports for policy purposes; coordinate the installation and design of the NLP’s central
and regional management information system that will provide up-to-date
information necessary for the management's policy formulation and decision-making
functions; and coordinate the NLP’s policy, planning, program development and
information systems management activities with the appropriate offices of the NCCA
to ensure coherence and consistency of the NLP’s policies, plans and programs with
the Commission's plans and programs.

{k) External Affairs Division (EAD) shall be responsible for ensuring enhanced and more
effective engagement of the NLP with the external community, and building
partnerships to support the use of the NLP for development.

(I) Public Online Library Division (ELD) shall manage the library's electronic resources:
website, databases, e-books, and electronic periodicals. It shall collaborate with the
Collection Development Section to evaluate and select new resources. It shall also
monitor bibliographic management operations and the development of applications
for public use in collaboration with the Information Technology Division.

Each Division Chief must be a licensed librarian and shall be appointed by the
Management of the NLP. The Division Chief shall develop and implement plans and programs
for the Division. The Division Chief shall also perform the following functions: a) assist in the
formulation of library policies, rules and regulations, b) administer library policies and
implement rules and regulations to the division, c) submit reports and approve
communications, d) issue certifications for legal purposes, and e) perform other duties that
may be assigned by the Commissioner from time to time.

SEC. 12. Public Libraries in Local Government Units. Public Libraries shall be a
permanent institution in the organizational structure of Local Government Units (LGU). Such
Public Library Office will function as the public library of the LGU and shall also exercise
administrative functions similar to an office.

It shall have the following functions:

(a) To make available to the members of the community reading materials of wide array,
including reading materials prescribed by the DepEd, CHEd, the NCCA, the Technical
Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) printed or digital materials endemic to
the Local Government Units (LGU), national and local newspapers of general circulation and
others.

(b) To be used as a venue for audio-visual presentation in the community and other
kinds of exhibitions and activities aimed at increasing the literacy rate by government
agencies nongovernmental organizations or private entities in the dissemination of
information of general interest;

(c) To partner with local libraries and schools; and

(d) To offer such other related services in furtherance of this Act.

SEC, 13. Establishment of Provincial, City, and Municipal Libraries and Barangay
Reading Centers. - Each province, city, and municipality shall establish provincial, city and


municipal public libraries and barangay reading centers except in provinces, cities, or
municipalities where there are existing public libraries or in barangays where there are
existing reading centers: Provided, That the establishment of such libraries and reading
centers shall be based on the development program of the NLP, taking in consideration the
latest developments in computer and electronic library technologies, in coordination with the
development council of each city or municipality and in the case of the barangay reading
centers, in coordination with the respective barangay councils: Provided, Further, That where
these public libraries and reading centers already exist, the NLP shall continue to upgrade the
facilities thereof with complete standard sets of books, e-books, online research resources
and other materials as provided in Sec. 8 of this act as well as the latest electronic library
system using computers for storing, cataloguing, and filing of data and materials: Provided,
finally, that by the year 2022, all cities and municipalities of the Philippines shall be provided
with an electronically operated library system.

The NLP shall continue to coordinate and organize seminars, workshops and other
training for the professional benefit of librarians. The NLP shall strive to improve and maintain
the relevance, effectiveness, and efficiency of all libraries in relation to the socio-economic
development of their respective communities.

SEC. 14. Period of Establishment of Congressional, City, and Municipal Libraries and
Barangay Reading Centers. The overall national plan of implementation shall cover initially a
period of five (5) years: Congressional districts, cities, and municipalities with no existing
public libraries, as well as barangays situated in remote, isolated and rural areas, shall have
priority in the allocation of resources centers.

Within one hundred twenty (120) days from the effectivity of this Act, the NLP, in
consultation with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Department
of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the DICT and the different local government units,
shall come out with the list of priority areas, taking into account the commitment of the local
government units in the establishment and maintenance of public libraries and barangay
reading

The NLP shall ensure that all sites for libraries and reading centers shall be equipped
with the necessary facilities to fulfill its mandate. It shall provide continuous support and, in
coordination with the implementing agencies, further develop and enhance all library
facilities, relevant library resources, and dynamic services that contribute to the intellectual,
social, and cultural development of the Filipino society.

SEC. 15. National Network of Libraries. - The NLP, as the central agency mandated to
Promote and establish national and international standards in library and information
services, shall create a Quality Manual of Libraries of the Philippines which shall contain the
minimum standards, qualifications, and services which must be performed by all libraries
which will be affiliated, supervised, and supported by the NLP. It shall further create a
National Registry of Libraries throughout the country which complies with the minimum
standards, qualifications, and services as determined by the NLP for the Congressional, City,
and Municipal Libraries, and Barangay Reading Centers, as the case may be, which have been
set forth in the Quality Manual of Libraries of the Philippines. Each Public Library Office shall


be headed by a licensed librarian and the staffing pattern shall be in compliance with and
pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act No. 9246.

The NLP shall provide the standard set of reference books and other materials such as,
but not limited to, encyclopedias, dictionaries, maps and globes upon the establishment of
the libraries, The NLP shall continue to supply the public libraries with other books, non-book
materials, equipment, supplies and other appropriate and relevant reference and reading
materials, taking into consideration the needs of the community concerned.

SEC. 16. Overall Coordinating Authority. - The NLP shall be under the ad
supervision of the NCCA

SEC. 17. Public Online Library. - The NLP shall establish a versatile and comprehensive
computer and electronic library system which shall supplement the complete standard set of
books to be provided to public libraries and reading centers with e-books, online research
resources, and other similar materials. The Public Online Library shall be developed in
coordination with the DepEd, DICT, DOST, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and
the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), in partnership with the
National Library of the Philippines, the National Book Development Board, and other
concerned government agencies.

‘The DepEd shall also provide the NLP with digitized copies of all textbooks and reference
materials which they deem necessary for the public education of Philippine Elementary and
Secondary Students. The Public Online Library shall be jointly managed by the NLP, DICT, and
Depéd.

The NLP shall have custody over the digitized copies of all books, textbooks, reference
materials, and other resources to be included in the Public Online Library. The DICT shall take
charge of the technological management of the digital repository to ensure the integrity of
the system.

SEC. 18. Annual Report. — Within ninety (90) days from the approval of this Act, and at
the end of every calendar year thereafter, the Commissioner of the NLP shall submit detailed
progress reports on the progress, condition, and needs of the NLP to the Office of the
President of the Philippines and each House of Congress.

SEC. 19. Joint Congressional Oversight Committee on the National Library of the
Philippines. - There is hereby created a Joint Oversight Committee to oversee, monitor and
evaluate the implementation of this Act.

The Oversight Committee shall be composed of five (5) members each from the Senate
and from the House of Representatives, including the Chairs of the Committees on Basic
Education and Culture, and Finance in the Senate and Appropriations in the House of
Representatives. The membership of the Committee for each House shall have at least one
(1) opposition or minority member.




SEC. 20. Tax Exemptions of The National Library of the Philippines. - The importation
of equipment relating to creative industry, books, art related supplies, musical instruments,
materials and goods, including those donated to the NLP shall be exempt from customs duty
in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act No. 10863, otherwise known as the
“Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA)": Provided, That these are of international
standards and are not available from local manufacturers: Provided, further, That the
importation shall only be in such numbers as may be required in the development programs
and/or training of librarians, staff, and the general public, as the case may be: Provided,
finally, That all importations shall be made in the name of the NLP as recipient and shall be
immediately registered in the name of the NLP.

SEC. 21. Tax Exemption on Donations. — All grants, bequest, endowments, donations
and contributions made to the NLP that are actually, directly, and exclusively used by the NLP,
shall be exempt from donor’s tax and the same shall be considered as allowable deduction
from the gross income in the computation of the income tax of the donor in accordance with
the provisions of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended.

SEC. 22. Trust. - All income, fees, and revenues earned and collected by the Agency shall
constitute a trust fund in the name of NLP to be managed and used by NLP to further carry
out its functions. All incomes, fees, revenues, and donations earned and collected by the NLP
shall constitute a trust fund, to be known as the National Library Fund, which the NLP shall be
authorized to retain, without need of a separate approval from any government agency, and
subject only to existing accounting and auditing rules and regulations. This fund shall be
expended as authorized by the NLP Management exclusively for the purposes of this Act.

SEC 23. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the effective implementation of
this Act shall be included in the NLP budget in the annual General Appropriations Act. The
budget for the initial allocation and additional allocation for public libraries shall be included
in the GAA of the year following its enactment and for every year thereafter. The budget for
every public library shall be determined by the respective LGUs.

The local government units shall undertake the maintenance of public libraries and
reading centers while the NLP shall continue to provide reading materials and supplies to the
said libraries and reading centers.

SEC. 24. Implementing Agencies. - The NLP, in coordination with the NCCA, DepEd,
CHEd, TESDA, DILG, DICT, and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) shall be responsible for
implementing the provisions of this Act.

Within (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the implementing agencies shall
promulgate the implementing rules and regulations as may be necessary to ensure the
efficient and effective implementation of this Act. Provided, The NLP shall include the
evaluation scheme/accreditation for the public libraries while the DILG shall include sanctions
for non-compliance of LGUs.

SEC. 25. Separability Clause. - Should any part of this Act be declared unconstitutional
or inoperative, the other provisions not so declared shall remain in force and effect.


SEC, 26. Repealing Clause. - Act Nos. 222, 1849, 1935, 2572, 3477, Executive Order 94,
Republic Act No. Three Thousand Eight Hundred Seventy-Three (R.A. 3873), otherwise known
as “An Act Changing the Name of the Bureau of Public Libraries to the National Library,” and
Republic Act No. Ten Thousand Eighty-Seven (R.A. No. 10087), otherwise known as "An Act
‘Amending Republic Act No. 3873, Entitled An Act Changing the Name of the Bureau of Public
Libraries To The National Library’are hereby repealed. The provisions of other laws, decrees,
executive orders, rules and regulations inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed,
amended, or modified accordingly.

SEC. 27. Effectivity. - Notwithstanding the non-issuance of an Implementing Rules and
Regulations, this Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official
Gazette and/or in at least two (2) national newspapers in general circulation.

Approved,

10