Question & AnswerQ&A (Commonwealth Act No. 442)
The main purpose of Commonwealth Act No. 442 is to direct the transfer of the University of the Philippines from Manila to a site outside the city, and to appropriate funds for the transfer and related construction and improvements.
The Board of Regents of the University of the Philippines is responsible for choosing the new site, with the approval of the President of the Philippines.
Upon the transfer, the grounds, buildings, and other improvements (excluding furniture and equipment) become the property of the National Government.
The sum of seventeen million five hundred thousand pesos (₱17,500,000) is appropriated to carry out the purposes of the Act.
The funds are appropriated out of the proceeds of the excise tax on coconut oil.
The funds cover acquisition, improvement, and conditioning of lands, construction, maintenance and repair of buildings and improvements, and acquisition of fixtures and equipment including the construction of a hospital.
Funds are released in amounts and dates specified in the Act upon certification of availability by the Secretary of Finance and approval by the President of the Philippines.
The architectural style must be expressive of the culture, characteristics, and ideals of the Philippine Nation.
Yes, the Board of Regents is authorized to open a contest for the best architectural plan, and a prize of twenty-five thousand pesos (₱25,000) is set aside for the winner.
The Board of judges is composed of three members named by the President of the Philippines.
The Board of Regents must make an annual report to the President of the Philippines and to the National Assembly on the progress of the transfer.
The Act took effect upon its approval on June 3, 1939.