Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 8492)
Republic Act No. 8492 is officially known as the "National Museum Act of 1998."
The policy of the State 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 and intellectual expression.
The National Museum is converted into a government trust, detached from the Department of Education, Culture and Sports and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, and placed under the Office of the President for budgetary purposes to ensure its independence and autonomy.
The permanent and exclusive site of the National Museum is the National Museum Complex, which includes the Executive House Building (old Congress Building), the Department of Finance building, and the Department of Tourism building on Agrifina Circle.
The objectives include: (1) functioning as an educational institution to disseminate knowledge of Filipino cultural and historical heritage; (2) conducting scientific research in anthropology, archaeology, geology, paleontology, botany, and zoology; and (3) serving as a cultural center for the study, preservation, and development of the nation's artistic and cultural heritage.
The key duties include acquiring and preserving cultural materials, conducting archaeological and scientific research, maintaining inventory and documentation of collections, regulating excavation and exportation of cultural properties, enforcing cultural property laws, supporting regional museums, and disseminating knowledge through exhibitions and publications.
The Board is composed of the Chairmen of the Committees on Education of the Senate and House, the Chairperson of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, and seven private sector representatives including a distinguished Filipino artist, scientist, and historian. The Director of the National Museum is an ex officio member. The Chairman of the Board is appointed by the President who also serves as the Honorary Chairman and patron.
The President appoints private sector representatives based on nominations from NGOs and business groups. Terms are staggered: three members for four years, three for two years, and one for one year. Members may be reappointed once. Vacancies are filled for the unexpired term only.
Violators, including museum officers and employees, may be imprisoned for up to two years, fined up to Ten thousand pesos (₱10,000), or both, at the court's discretion.
The Museum is exempt from paying import taxes and tariff duties on materials and equipment for its non-profit programs. Donations and legacies to the Museum are exempt from donor's, estate, and inheritance taxes. The Board can also recommend appropriate exemptions for donations in kind, subject to external valuation.
The Museum receives its annual budget from the national government. An Endowment Fund of Five hundred million pesos (₱500,000,000) is established, funded by earnings from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office and PAGCOR. Interest from the Endowment Fund supports special programs, and a Revolving Fund from income not exceeding Two million pesos (₱2,000,000) is used for auxiliary services.
The Director, through the Assistant Director, has full supervision over regional museums and their personnel, ensuring that such museums serve as cultural and information centers offering substantial local collections.
The Act mandates registration, inventory, and cataloging of all objects and specimens. Movement of collections is to be tracked, initially on paper and eventually through a computerized museum documentation system.
Yes, the National Museum may charge admission fees and is allowed to open on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.
The Commission on Audit, Department of Budget and Management, and the National Museum shall draft special rules granting the Museum complete flexibility and fiscal autonomy, consistent with generally accepted practices for similar institutions, to be promulgated within 60 days from the law's effectivity.