Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 1427)
The main purpose of Republic Act No. 1427 is to appropriate funds to carry out the purposes of the Jose Rizal National Centennial Commission for the celebration of the First Centenary of the birth of Jose Rizal.
The Act appropriates the sum of two million pesos out of the National Treasury as a revolving fund for the commission's activities.
The funds are to be used for the celebration of Rizal's centenary, payment of personnel salaries and travel expenses, purchase of equipment, publication of Rizal's works and related works, and other related sundry expenses.
The fund shall be disbursed as follows: Six hundred thousand pesos during fiscal year 1956-1957; Four hundred thousand pesos during 1957-1958; Five hundred thousand pesos during 1958-1959; and Five hundred thousand pesos during 1959-1960.
The overhead expenses in any given year shall not exceed twelve percent (12%) of the appropriation for that year.
It is a shrine dedicated to Jose Rizal which shall consist of a national theater, a national museum, and a national library, preferably erected at a single site under the jurisdiction of the Commission.
Yes, the law states that it is without prejudice to the construction of other memorials dedicated to Jose Rizal.
The Commission is authorized and directed to organize and undertake a national fund campaign to raise funds from private sources for financing the construction of the shrine and other memorials.
The Commission is composed of the Secretary of Education (Chairman), the Secretary of Finance (Co-Vice Chairman), the Supreme Commander of the Order of the Knights of Rizal (Co-Vice Chairman), Chairmen of the Education Committees of the Senate and House, President of the University of the Philippines, Chairman of the UNESCO National Commission, Director of Public Libraries and Chairman of the Philippine Historical Committee, Directors of Public and Private Schools, and five other renowned Rizalists selected from cultural, educational, and civic organizations.
The Commission shall render an annual report of its activities and accomplishments to Congress fifteen days before the opening of the regular session.
Any unexpended funds after the Commission’s dissolution and upon completion of its work shall revert to the National Treasury.
The Act took effect upon its approval on June 14, 1956.