Law Summary
Declaration of Policy
- State supports cultural development through:
- Preservation, enrichment, and dynamic evolution of Filipino culture.
- Unity in diversity.
- Free artistic and intellectual expression.
Conversion of the National Museum
- National Museum converted into a government trust for independence/autonomy.
- Detached from Department of Education, Culture and Sports and National Commission for Culture and the Arts.
- Budgetary purposes under the Office of the President.
- Permanent institution serving the community, non-profit.
- Mission: acquire, preserve, exhibit, and study cultural, historical, artistic specimens.
Permanent Home; Evidence of Title
- National Museum Complex established at Agrifina Circle (Executive House, old Congress building, etc.).
- Land and buildings appropriated exclusively for the Museum.
- Certified site records serve as court evidence.
Preservation of Senate Session Hall
- Preserve as a tribute to Philippine Senate legacy.
- Recognized for democratic and historic importance.
Objectives
- Education: disseminate knowledge, develop cultural professionals.
- Science: conduct basic research in anthropology, geology, botany, zoology.
- Culture: preserve arts, reconstruct history, develop cultural wealth.
Duties and Functions
- Acquire, preserve, exhibit cultural/natural heritage objects and recent history materials.
- Conduct scientific and archaeological researches.
- Maintain inventories; move to computerized records.
- Regulate registration, excavation, export of cultural properties.
- Enforce relevant laws (Presidential Decrees, etc.).
- Oversee preservation, restoration, reconstruction of immovable properties.
- Disseminate astronomical knowledge.
- Secure international grants.
- Support regional/local museums.
- Develop consortium agreements with educational institutions.
Board of Trustees
- Based in Manila.
- Includes Education Committee chairs (Senate, House), NCCA Chairperson, seven private sector reps (including artist, scientist, historian).
- Director of National Museum is ex officio member.
- Chairman appointed by the President; President is honorary chairman.
Appointment and Terms of Trustees
- Private reps appointed by President from NGO/business nominations.
- Terms staggered (4, 2, 1 years), eligible for one reappointment.
- Vacancies filled for unexpired terms.
Board Organization and Authority
- Elects 5-member executive committee.
- Regular/special meetings, quorum of 6.
- Members reimbursed for expenses but serve gratuitously.
- Sets bylaws, rules, and regulations.
- Establishes official seal.
Director of the National Museum
- Appointed by Board, assisted by two Assistant Directors.
- Oversees operations and implements policies and programs.
- Must have competent administration track and museum management expertise.
Acting Director
- Assistant Director may act as Director during vacancy or incapacity.
- Board may change designation as needed.
Compensation and Removal
- Salaries as allowed by Board.
- Board may remove Director and Assistants as necessary.
Personnel Training and Development
- Museum undertakes personnel capability upgrading.
- Graduate studies and training abroad allowed on official time, subject to service needs.
Exhibition and Central Registry Units
- Specialized exhibition department for quality exhibition planning and execution.
- Central registry unit to integrate collections documentation into computerized system.
Supervision of Regional Museums
- Branches with 10+ personnel or high accountability upgraded to regional museums.
- Regional museums serve as centers for local cultural treasures.
Reception and Arrangement of Collections
- All suitable objects delivered to authorized persons.
- Organized and classified for study and exhibition.
- Immediate registration and inventory maintained.
- Transition from paper to computerized cataloging planned.
Laboratories and Facilities
- Museum equipped with laboratories for conservation, preservation, storage.
Protection of Museum Property
- Public property protection laws apply.
Policing and Deputization
- Museum employees may be designated special policemen without extra pay.
- May deputize PNP and AFP to protect archaeological sites.
- Obligatory reporting of site discoveries by local authorities.
- Local authorities must prevent illegal exploitation.
Incentives for Site Discovery
- Museum authorized to provide equitable rewards for reporting significant sites.
Appropriations and Budget
- Annual budget from General Appropriations Act.
- Annual expenditure reports to Congress required.
Museum Endowment Fund
- P500 million fund established for special programs.
- Fund sourced equally from PCSO lotto earnings and PAGCOR.
- Fund remitted quarterly over 3 years.
- Only interest used for special projects.
- Donations/bequests tax-exempt.
- Board manages fund and investments.
Disposal of Other Moneys
- Trustees may dispose of other non-appropriated moneys for Museum promotion.
Tax Exemptions
- Museum exempt from import taxes/duties on materials for non-profit programs.
- Donations exempt from donor, estate, inheritance taxes.
- Board to recommend appropriate valuation for in-kind donations.
Revolving Fund
- Income up to P2 million from sales, services used as revolving fund.
Merit System and Staffing
- Professional personnel with graduate degrees accorded ranks like National Scientists.
- Allowed sabbatical leaves.
- Staffing pattern for duties and compensation approved by DBM.
- Salaries exempt from standardization laws.
- Annual salary report to Congress.
Appointment and Compensation; Attrition Law
- Board may employ officers/employees; may delegate to Director.
- Museum exempt from attrition law.
Hiring Foreign Consultants
- Allowed under Labor Code and relevant laws.
Health Services
- Adequate health care provided to personnel.
De-accessioning Policy
- Museum may dispose of collections to upgrade them.
Admission and Hours
- Museum may charge admission fees.
- Open on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.
Special Budget and Audit Rules
- COA, DBM and Museum to formulate special fiscal autonomy rules.
- Rules to be promulgated within 60 days of effectivity.
Penalties
- Violation subjects to imprisonment (up to 2 years) and/or fines (up to P10,000).
- Applies to all persons including Museum officers/employees.
Reorganization
- Board may reorganize structure/staffing.
- Existing leadership upgraded automatically.
- Remaining personnel reappointed unless opting for early retirement.
Repealing Clause
- Inconsistent laws and provisions repealed or amended accordingly.
Separability Clause
- If any provision declared invalid, other provisions remain effective.
Effectivity Clause
- Act takes effect 15 days after publication in Official Gazette or newspapers.