QuestionsQuestions (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 73)
EO No. 73 assigns the Aguinaldo Mansion in Kawit, Cavite, including all its contents, to the care and custody of the National Museum for protection and preservation.
The late Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo donated the mansion to the Republic of the Philippines.
The deed is dated March 22, 1963. It is relevant because it establishes the donation and its acceptance by the government.
The Executive Order states that the donation was duly accepted by the President in representation of the Philippine Government.
It implies the President acted under authority granted by the Constitution and existing laws, though the specific statute is not cited in the EO text.
The National Museum.
It includes both the mansion and all its contents, as it expressly assigns “the aforementioned Aguinaldo Mansion and all its contents.”
It is described as historically significant to Philippine independence and containing valuable effects and relics; preservation is said to keep the people’s nationalism and spirit alive for posterity.
The Aguinaldo Mansion in Kawit, Cavite.
EO No. 73 was signed by President Diosdado Macapagal, and it was attested/issued “By the President” by Calix to O. Zaldívar, Acting Executive Secretary.
The EO specifically assigns the mansion “to the care and custody” of the National Museum, which indicates an administrative custodial transfer for preservation rather than an explicit transfer of ownership.
The recitals justify why government resources and stewardship should be directed to preserving the site and relics due to their national and historical value.
It means the National Museum must safeguard the mansion and contents from damage, loss, theft, or deterioration and maintain them in a condition suitable for historical preservation and public benefit.
It implies that acceptance was formally made for the Republic, supporting that the property became government property prior to the assignment for custody.