Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 11333)
The short title of Republic Act No. 11333 is the "National Museum of the Philippines Act."
The policy 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 with free artistic and intellectual expression.
It is officially renamed as the "National Museum of the Philippines" or "Pambansang Museo ng Pilipinas". The shortened names "National Museum" or "Pambansang Museo" shall exclusively refer to it.
The National Museum manages and develops museums/collections of national arts, cultural heritage, and natural history; it protects, preserves, studies, and promotes national patrimony, supports education and social progress, and contributes to economic development through tourism and cultural services. It carries out research, disseminates museological skills, provides technical assistance for preservation, manages the National Museum Complex, and performs other functions characteristic of public collecting and research museums.
The National Museum is a trust of the government, attached for budgetary coordination purposes to the Department of Education. It is a National Government Agency higher than bureaus but below departments, enjoying privileges akin to both a Government-Owned or Controlled Corporation and a State University or College where applicable.
The permanent site is the whole Executive House (former Congress or Legislative Building), plus the former Department of Finance and Department of Tourism Buildings on Agrifina Circle in Rizal Park, Manila. It also includes the National Planetarium building and its lot within Rizal Park.
The Board has 15 members: 8 private sector representatives appointed by the President for 4-year terms (renewable), including specific representatives for artists, historians, and scientists; and 7 ex officio government officials including heads of relevant committees and departments. The President appoints the private sector members and the Chairperson from among them.
The Board represents and mobilizes support, appoints the Head of Agency and management, oversees performance, approves policies and projects, administers funds, disposes of appeals on administrative decisions, and performs other functions related to the National Museum's administration and mandate.
The National Museum is headed by a Director-General with the rank of Undersecretary, assisted by two Deputy Directors-General and several Directors who manage the central and regional museums. They are appointed by the Board for four-year terms.
Admission to all public museums, national historical shrines, and landmarks is free for the general public, subject to capacity and availability, with fees only allowed for special activities, programs, or temporary exhibitions upon proper approval.
The National Museum shall retain all income from its operations, deposited into a National Museum Income Fund to be used for its benefit subject to Board authorization. Donations covered by deeds of donation are placed in a National Museum Donations Fund and used according to the donation's terms or otherwise for the Museum's benefit. Anonymous donations are also accepted and treated as gratuities.
The Endowment Fund is sourced from annual net earnings of two government agencies: 250 million pesos from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office and 250 million pesos from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, used to fund special programs of the Museum. It is managed by the Board with professional fund managers, with only the interest being spent.
The National Museum is exempt from national and local taxes, fees, and charges. Donations to the Museum are exempt from donor's tax and deductible for income tax purposes. Importation of scientific and cultural materials for conservation and preservation is exempt from customs duties.
Procurement of unique items is exempt from government procurement laws. Items can be procured by direct negotiation with owners, with required certifications and approvals by the Head of Agency and the Board depending on the item's value. Documents must be publicly posted and reported to government audit and budget agencies.
The National Museum can procure items through bidding at public auctions with prior Board approval. It has a right of first refusal to match the highest bid within seven days. Violations of this right by auction management that cause loss to the Museum may result in fines and legal action.
All movable cultural properties of national significance owned by the government must be registered with the National Museum and form part of its inventory. They are held in trust for the Filipino people and cannot be alienated without approval. The Museum may request transfer or loan of such items for preservation, study, or exhibition.
The Museum may engage in rental of areas for events, leasing spaces for commercial establishments and parking via public bidding, and production/licensing of official merchandise. Proceeds go to the National Museum Income Fund and contracts may be for up to five years.
The Museum will conduct training and development programs for its staff, allowing official time for study/training locally or abroad with Director-General approval. The Board will establish a monetary incentive system for rewarding superior performance and professional milestones, subject to regulatory approvals.
All regulatory functions are transferred to the National Commission for Culture and the Arts within two years from the Act's effectivity. The Museum will continue to provide technical assistance but will focus on museum development rather than regulation.