Law Summary
Declaration of Policy
- The State commits to the cultural development of Filipinos through preservation and enrichment of national culture.
- Promotion of free artistic and intellectual expression based on unity in diversity.
Renaming and Exclusive Use of Name
- The National Museum is renamed as the "National Museum of the Philippines" (Filipino: "Pambansang Museo ng Pilipinas").
- The shortened name is exclusively reserved for this Agency and no other institution may use it.
Mandate, Duties, and Functions
- Serves as the primary State institution for museum management of national significance in arts, cultural heritage, and natural history.
- Objectives include preservation, study, promotion of national patrimony for current and future generations.
- Supports education, social progress, economic development via tourism and cultural industries.
- Functions include:
- Acquisition, preservation, exhibition, scholarly studies of Filipino heritage and natural history.
- Coordination with the National Historical Commission, National Library, and National Archives.
- Management/development of National Museum Complex and regional museums.
- Research in biodiversity, archaeology, ethnology, art history, and cultural properties.
- Technical assistance in preservation and restoration.
- Dissemination of museological skills and support to other museums.
- Other functions aligned with international museum best practices.
National Museum as Government Trust
- Recognized as a government trust attached for budget coordination to the Department of Education.
- Classified as a National Government Agency with status between Bureau and Department.
- Granted privileges similar to Government-Owned Corporations and State Universities.
- Special rules may be promulgated to promote its objectives.
Permanent Site and National Museum Complex
- The Executive House (former Legislative Building) and adjoining buildings in Rizal Park, Manila, are the permanent core site.
- Includes the National Planetarium building and associated land.
- These sites are appropriated to the National Museum with official certification serving as evidence.
Preservation of Former Legislative Session Halls
- The former House and Senate session halls are preserved as historical sites honoring the Philippine Legislature.
Dedication to Dr. Jose Rizal
- The National Museum Complex is dedicated to the memory and patriotism of Dr. Jose Rizal.
- His intellectual contributions inspire the Museum's activities in history, literature, arts, and sciences.
Master Plan Development
- The Museum shall develop a Master Plan for the National Museum Complex referencing the 1905 Burnham Plan.
- Plan includes facilities for exhibitions, offices, events, commercial operations, and green spaces.
- Integrates public plaza linking to Intramuros and preserves key monuments.
- Approval by Board of Trustees; financed through the Endowment Fund and other sources.
- No development without Museum approval; public-private partnerships allowed.
Central Museums
- Existing central museums include Fine Arts, Anthropology, Natural History, and the Planetarium.
- Plans to establish additional museums for archaeology, maritime heritage, architectural arts, political and social history.
- Provision for an institute for museology education and a conservation center.
Regional, Area, Site Museums and Satellite Offices
- Maintains existing and shall establish new regional museums/offices in each administrative region.
- Coordination with other cultural agencies to avoid duplication.
- Site selection considers heritage significance, education, environment, and tourism.
Board of Trustees - Powers and Functions
- Represents private and public sectors supporting the Museum's mission.
- Appoints Head of Agency and management; exercises oversight.
- Approves policies, projects, funds, and appeals.
- Administers Endowment, Donations, and Income Funds.
Composition of the Board
- Total 15 members: 8 private sector representatives with expertise in arts, anthropology, natural sciences.
- 7 government ex officio members including Committee Chairpersons on culture, Secretaries of Education, Environment, Tourism, Chairperson of NCCA, and Director-General of the Museum.
Appointment and Terms of Trustees
- Private sector members appointed by the President for 4-year terms, renewable.
- Board Chairperson designated by the President from private sector members.
- Holdover provisions apply if reappointment or replacement is delayed.
- Proxies not allowed for private members; ex officio may designate representatives under conditions.
Organization and Meetings of the Board
- Majority constitutes quorum; members serve without compensation but private sector may receive honoraria and allowances.
- Establishes Executive Committee with authority to act on behalf of Board, subject to ratification.
- May create committees, advisory boards, and retain consultants.
- President of the Philippines is Patron and Honorary Chairperson.
- Board may adopt seal, bylaws, and rules.
Head of Agency and Management Structure
- Director-General with rank/emoluments of Undersecretary heads the Museum.
- Assisted by two Deputy Directors-General with Assistant Secretary rank.
- Seven Directors manage central and regional museums; may be assisted by Assistant Directors.
- Appointments require citizenship, competency, and commitment standards.
- Administrative supervision delegated to Chairperson of National Commission for Culture and the Arts for certain personnel matters.
Appointment and Terms of Management
- Head and management officials appointed by Board for 4-year terms with eligibility for reappointment.
- Vacancies filled for unexpired terms; acting appointments allowed.
- Organizational amendments subject to applicable laws respecting existing employee rights.
- Current officials automatically upgraded for one-year initial term pending review.
Free Admission Policy
- Public granted free admission to all public museums and national historical sites subject to capacity.
- Fees may apply for special activities or temporary exhibits upon agency approval.
Retention of Income and Donations
- National Museum retains all income from operations and may use funds per Board authorization.
- Establishment of National Museum Income Fund and Donations Fund.
- Donations handled transparently and may include anonymous gratuities.
- Funds used mainly for capital assets; subject to audit and budgeting rules.
National Museum Endowment Fund
- Fund sourced from specified annual earnings of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office and PAGCOR.
- Administered by Board; professional fund managers may be appointed.
- Only interest used for projects; principal preserved.
- Contributions remitted over five years; donations expressly made for fund credited to principal.
Tax and Duty Exemptions
- Museum classified as National Government Agency.
- Exempt from national and local taxes, fees, duties.
- Donations exempt from donor's tax and deductible.
- Scientific and cultural imports for conservation work exempt from customs duties.
Procurement Procedures for Collections
- Procurement of unique collection items exempt from government procurement laws.
- Items purchased through direct negotiation with documented quotations and certifications by Head of Agency.
- Purchases above PHP 1,000,000 require Board approval.
- Detailed procedure includes Board resolutions, Bids and Awards Committee certification, Notice of Award, Deed of Sale execution.
- Payments made gross of taxes; sellers responsible for tax liabilities.
- Transparency ensured through publication of transaction documents.
Procurement Through Public Auction
- Allowed with Board approval and price ceilings.
- Museum may bid or exercise right of first refusal within seven days.
- Auction management must disclose Museum interest; violations incur fines.
Registration and Management of National Government Cultural Properties
- All movable cultural properties of National Government are registered and inventoried by the Museum.
- Considered held in trust; disposal requires Museum approval.
- Museum may request transfer or loan for protection, preservation, study, or exhibition.
- Government agencies encouraged to offer movable cultural properties to Museum.
Commercial Operations
- Authorized to conduct commercial activities including rentals, leases, and production/licensing of merchandise.
- Contracts awarded by public bidding with preference to nonprofit related organizations.
- Outsourcing of property management services allowed.
Personnel Development and Incentives
- Provides training and capacity building for personnel.
- Official time allowed for study/training subject to service needs.
- Board to establish monetary incentive system subject to government approval.
De-accessioning Policy
- Museum may establish policy for removal of items from collection.
- Requires Board approval in all cases.
Internal Audit
- Internal audit unit established to ensure audit compliance.
Reorganization
- Board may propose reorganization or changes in staffing subject to government agency approvals.
Transfer of Regulatory Functions
- All regulatory functions under various prior laws transferred to National Commission for Culture and the Arts within two years.
- Museum to provide technical assistance but focus exclusively on development as premier museum institution.
Appropriations
- Initial implementation costs charged to current National Museum appropriations.
- Continued funding included annually in General Appropriations Act.
Separability Clause
- Invalidity of any provision does not affect others.
Repealing Clause
- Repeals Republic Act No. 8492 and other inconsistent laws.
Effectivity
- Law takes effect fifteen days after publication in official gazette or newspaper.