Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 770)
The Experimental Cinema of the Philippines is a corporation created under Executive Order No. 770, January 29, 1982, attached to the Ministry of Tourism, intended to promote the growth and development of the Philippine film industry.
Its powers include promoting the film industry's growth, producing/importing films, managing the Film Center, coordinating with the Filipino Motion Pictures Development Board, providing financial assistance for motion picture projects, establishing a national film rating system, maintaining a film archive, assisting Filipino talents, borrowing funds, and operating international film festivals among others.
The operations are managed by a Board of Trustees composed of three members: the Minister of Tourism or his representative, a Chairman, and one member appointed by the President of the Philippines.
The Director-General, appointed by the President, is the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board. Duties include proposing policies, administering programs, supervising operations, submitting annual reports, appointing personnel, and establishing linkages with other entities.
No, all films produced or imported by the Cinema for exhibition at the Film Center shall be free from censorship.
Yes, it has the authority to receive donations from domestic and foreign sources and can exercise all powers of a private corporation under the Philippine Corporate Code.
Donations to the Cinema are exempt from taxes and are deductible for donors' income tax purposes. The Cinema, its assets, income, and operations are exempt from all taxes, fees, charges, import taxes, and licenses imposed by the government or its subdivisions.
If dissolved, its remaining assets after paying liabilities shall be turned over to a foundation or institution with similar pursuits, or to the Republic of the Philippines or its agencies as decided by the Board of Trustees.
Section 6 establishes the role, powers, and duties of the Director-General as the CEO and Chairman of the Board who is responsible for the overall direction and operation of the Cinema.
The Board of Trustees prepares and approves the budget for the Cinema's operations, and initial funding was appropriated from the Special Activities Fund, with further funding included in the General Appropriations Act.