Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 4846)
The official short title is the "Cultural Properties Preservation and Protection Act."
The policy is to preserve and protect the cultural properties of the nation and to safeguard their intrinsic value.
Cultural properties are old buildings, monuments, shrines, documents, and objects classified as antiques, relics, artifacts, landmarks, anthropological and historical sites, and specimens of natural history that have cultural, historical, anthropological, or scientific value and significance to the nation.
The National Museum is the agency of the Government responsible for implementing the provisions of this Act.
Cultural treasures are cultural properties segregated and designated as such in accordance with the procedures in Section 7 of this Act.
The property owner must be notified at least fifteen days prior, invited to deliberations, given a chance to be heard, and the panel must decide within a week. The owner can request reconsideration within 30 days. Appeals may be made to a panel chaired by the Secretary of Education.
No, cultural treasures may only be taken out of the country with a written permit from the Director of the National Museum and only for cultural exchange programs or scientific scrutiny, with adequate insurance and protection required.
No, exporting or causing to be taken out of the Philippines any cultural properties without a written permit from the Director is unlawful.
Violations may result in a fine of not more than Ten thousand pesos, imprisonment of not more than two years, or both at the discretion of the court. Objects concealed or exported illegally shall be confiscated and forfeited to the Government.
A prior written authority from the Director of the National Museum is required, supervision by a certified archaeologist, and submission of a detailed report after completion.
Investments for purchasing cultural properties or for support of scientific and cultural expeditions certified by the Director may be deducted from income tax returns.
The Museum may collect such fees in compliance with the provisions of this Act.
Cultural treasures shall not change ownership except by inheritance and only with prior notification to and notation by the Museum. They cannot be taken out of the country as inheritance.
The Director can undertake a census of cultural properties, convene expert panels, promulgate implementing rules, supervise registrations, and issue permits related to cultural properties.