QuestionsQuestions (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 770)
Executive Order No. 770, dated January 29, 1982.
It is created as a corporation known as the “Experimental Cinema of the Philippines,” attached to the Ministry of Tourism (now generally understood as a government-attached agency concept), referred to as the “Cinema.”
Examples include: (1) promoting growth and development of the film industry; (2) producing or importing films for exhibition at the Film Center; (3) managing and operating the Film Center under an arrangement with the Cultural Center of the Philippines; (4) coordinating with the Filipino Motion Pictures Development Board; (5) providing financial assistance to motion picture projects through a special fund; (6) formulating and administering a national film rating/classification system subject to Presidential approval; (7) establishing a film archive; (8) assisting Filipino talents; (9) borrowing funds and acquiring property; (10) organizing international film festivals/exhibitions; and (11) constructing theaters/screening facilities.
The Cinema is empowered to manage and operate the Film Center established pursuant to Section 6 of Executive Order No. 640-A, under arrangements entered into with the Cultural Center of the Philippines.
Section 3 grants “Freedom from Censorship”: all films produced or imported by the Cinema for exhibition at the Film Center shall be free from censorship.
The Board consists of three (3) members: the Minister of Tourism (or duly authorized representative), a Chairman, and one member appointed by the President of the Philippines.
The Board must: (1) prepare/adopt necessary rules and regulations; (2) prepare and approve a budget for Cinema operations; (3) review periodically the administration and programs; and (4) perform other functions authorized by law.
The Director-General is the Chief Executive Officer of the Cinema appointed by the President; he is also the Chairman of the Board.
Among others: submit proposed policies to the Board; recommend/coordinate/administer Cinema programs/projects; direct and supervise operations/internal administration; submit an annual report including programs and finances; organize/appoint necessary personnel; coordinate and establish linkages with other entities; and exercise other powers/functions vested by the Board.
He is appointed by the President and assists the Director-General by implementing Board-approved policies and directing/supervising/coordinating operations of various departments and offices.
The Cinema shall appoint and maintain adequate technical and administrative staff, appointed in accordance with laws, rules, and regulations governing government corporations.
Yes. The Cinema may receive donations from domestic and foreign sources and may exercise the powers and prerogatives of a private corporation under the Corporate Code of the Philippines.
Donations/contributions/subsidies/financial aid to the Cinema are exempt from taxes and are allowable deductions in full from donors’ income for income tax purposes. The Cinema and its assets, acquisitions, income, operations, and transactions are exempt from all taxes/fees/charges/import licenses/assessments imposed by government or political subdivisions, including import taxes, duties, and fees.
Section 11 appropriates three million pesos for initial operation out of the Special Activities Fund; additional amounts are to be included in the General Appropriations Act.
After paying liabilities, remaining assets are to be disposed of and turned over to a foundation or institution with the same or similar pursuits, or to the Republic of the Philippines or its agencies/instrumentalities, as the Board of Trustees decides.
All provisions of Executive Order No. 640-A and all other inconsistent laws, decrees, orders, or regulations are repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.
It took effect immediately (Section 14).