Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 11333)
The official short title is the "National Museum of the Philippines Act."
The State pursues and supports the cultural development of the Filipino people through preservation, enrichment, and dynamic evolution of Filipino national culture, based on unity in diversity and free artistic and intellectual expression.
It is referred to as the "National Museum" or "Pambansang Museo" exclusively.
The National Museum manages and develops museums and collections of national significance in arts, cultural heritage, and natural history; protects, preserves, studies, and promotes national patrimony; supports education and social progress; and contributes to economic development through tourism and related services.
It is attached solely to the Department of Education for budgetary coordination and related purposes.
The National Museum is considered a trust of the government and classified as a National Government Agency with privileges and special rules similar to both a Government-Owned or-Controlled Corporation and a State University or College.
The permanent site is the Executive House (former Congress or Legislative Building), the former Department of Finance Building, and former Department of Tourism Building in Rizal Park, Manila, forming the core of the National Museum Complex.
The Board comprises 15 members: 8 private sector representatives with expertise in arts, culture, history, and natural sciences, and 7 ex officio government officials including relevant Senate and House Committee chairs, Secretaries of Education, Environment and Natural Resources, Tourism, Chairperson of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, and the Director-General of the National Museum.
Private sector members are appointed by the President for a term of four (4) years and may be reappointed for succeeding terms.
The general public is granted free admission to all public museums, national historical shrines, and landmarks subject to capacity and availability; fees may be charged only for special activities or temporary exhibitions with approval.
The procurement of unique, special, or original items for collections by the National Museum is exempt from applicable procurement laws, subject to procedures including approval by the Head of Agency and the Board based on price thresholds.
It is a fund sourced from the annual net earnings of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, used for special programs, projects, and activities of the National Museum and managed professionally by the Board.
The National Museum shall preserve the former Session Halls of the House of Representatives and Senate as historical sites honoring the legislative legacy and democracy.
De-accessioning requires approval by the Board and must comply with terms of donation or prevailing laws restricting disposition.
All regulatory functions are transferred to the National Commission for Culture and the Arts within two years of the Act's effectivity.