QuestionsQuestions (Republic Act No. 8492)
RA 8492 is known as the “National Museum Act of 1998.”
It is to pursue and support the cultural development of the Filipino people through the preservation, enrichment, and dynamic evolution of Filipino national culture, based on unity in diversity and free artistic/intellectual expression.
It is converted into a trust of the government, detached from the DECS and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, and placed under the Office of the President solely for budgetary purposes.
The permanent and exclusive site is the whole Executive House Building (old Congress Building), the Department of Finance building, and the Department of Tourism building on Agrifina Circle, collectively called the National Museum Complex.
A certified record or a copy of the description, certified by the Chairman and Secretary of the Board of Trustees, is received as evidence in all courts of the extent and boundaries of the lands appropriated to the Museum.
To acquire documents, preserve, exhibit, and foster scholarly study and appreciation of works of art, specimens, and cultural and historical artifacts.
It has: (1) educational objectives (disseminate knowledge of cultural/historical heritage and develop professionals), (2) scientific objectives (basic research in fields like anthropology/archaeology, geology/paleontology, botany, zoology), and (3) cultural center objectives (study and preserve artistic/cultural heritage, reconstruct the past, and develop national cultural wealth).
To regulate registration, excavation, preservation, and exportation of Philippine cultural properties through a legal department and a customs department established for these purposes.
All objects held or borrowed by the Museum must be registered in an inventory and catalogued; movements must be managed so the Museum can locate any object at any time, initially on paper records and later converted to computerized records as time/budget allow.
It includes the Chairmen of the Education Committees of the Senate and House of Representatives, the Chairperson of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, and seven private sector representatives. The Director is an ex officio member. The seven private sector reps must include one distinguished Filipino artist, one distinguished Filipino scientist, and one distinguished Filipino historian.
The President appoints the private sector representatives from a short list nominated by recognized NGOs in the Museum/cultural sectors and prestigious business groups. Three are appointed for four years, three for two years, and one for one year. They are eligible for one reappointment.
The Board meets in Manila, elects an executive committee, regular meetings are fixed by the Board. For business at a meeting, six (6) members constitute a quorum. Special meetings can be called on application of any three (3) trustees to the Director, with written notice to each member.
Section 15 requires establishing an Exhibition Unit and a Central Registry Unit (ultimately integrating collections into one computerized system). Section 17 mandates reception/arrangement of specimens and objects in custody, immediate registration upon entry, records of movement, inventory maintenance, and full catalogue entries developed with curatorial expertise.
Through the Board (via its secretary or authorized representatives), it may deputize the PNP and the AFP for: (1) protection of newly discovered sites from illegal exploitation, (2) reporting discovery of archaeological sites, and (3) preservation of important archaeological sites threatened with destruction.
The Museum is exempt from import taxes and tariff duties on art/display materials and equipment directly used for its non-profit programs (including books, art materials, preservation/restoration chemicals, exhibit/technical equipment, and films). Donations and legacies to the Museum are exempt from donor’s, estate, and inheritance taxes, subject to valuation procedures recommended by the Board.
The Museum is allowed to charge admission fees and must be open on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.
CA, DBM, and the National Museum must draw up special rules within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of the Act to provide the Museum complete and full flexibility and fiscal autonomy, consistent with generally accepted rules for similar institutions.
Any person (including Museum officers/employees) found guilty may be imprisoned up to two (2) years or fined up to P10,000, or both, at the court’s discretion.