Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 983)
Republic Act No. 983, approved on May 29, 1954, is an act amending Section 4 of Republic Act Numbered 309 concerning the regulation of racing days for horse races.
Private individuals and entities duly licensed by the Commission on Races are allowed to hold horse races under RA 983.
Horse races may be held on Sundays not reserved under the Act, on twenty-four Saturdays as determined by the Commission on Races, and on legal holidays, except Thursday and Friday of Holy Week, July 4 (Independence Day), and December 30 (Rizal Day).
The second Sunday and the first Saturday afternoon of each month, as well as the fourth Sunday of March for the national race known as the Grand Derby Race, are reserved for races held by the Philippine Anti-Tuberculosis Society.
The fourth Sunday of February, April, June, August, October, and the third Sunday of December are reserved for races held by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.
The fourth Sunday of January, May, July, and September and the second Saturday afternoon of January, April, July, and October are reserved for races held by the White Cross, Inc.
Other Saturday afternoons not otherwise reserved are reserved for races authorized by the President of the Philippines for charitable, relief, or civic purposes.
Rainy days assigned to private individuals and entities licensed by the Games and Amusements Board are apportioned and distributed equally each year among existing authorized racing clubs or race tracks conducting horse races.
Charitable institutions must receive a guaranteed amount from the Philippine Racing Club, Inc., or the Manila Jockey Club, Inc., based on the average income received for the twelve months immediately preceding the race. This guarantee must be deposited in cash or certified check with the Games and Amusements Board two days before the charity races.
This Act takes effect upon its approval on May 29, 1954.