Background and Justification
- President Manuel Roxas rendered invaluable services and died in official service in 1948.
- Filipino people initiated public subscriptions to fund a memorial that would:
- Immortalize President Roxas's memory.
- Provide financial aid to needy or indigent war widows and orphans, and disabled war veterans.
- Support public charitable and social welfare institutions.
- Encourage theatrical and musical arts development.
- Land sites for the projects were legally reserved by presidential proclamations.
Composition of the Roxas Memorial Commission
- Chaired by the Secretary of Public Works and Communications.
- Includes Vice-Chairman: Secretary of Commerce and Industry.
- Members:
- Administrator of Economic Coordination.
- Administrator of Social Welfare Administration.
- Treasurer of the Philippines (also serves as Treasurer of the Commission).
- Director of the National Planning Commission.
- Mrs. Trinidad de Leon Vda. de Roxas.
- President of War Widows.
- President, Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines.
- President, Manila Theaters Association.
- Chairman, Board of Trustees, Arts Council of the Philippines.
Powers and Functions of the Commission
- Responsible for nationwide fundraising drives for the Roxas Memorial Project No. 1 and the low-cost housing Project No. 2.
- Authorized to create and organize subcommittees in provinces, cities, and municipalities as deemed necessary.
- Empowered to promulgate rules and regulations for efficient execution of its mandate.
- Required to convene meetings as designated by the Chairman.
- Obligated to submit periodic reports to the President.
Financial Management and Accountability
- All funds collected to be deposited in the Philippine National Bank or other authorized banking institutions.
- Withdrawals to be made via checks signed by the Commission’s Treasurer, countersigned by the Chairman and an auditor designated by the Auditor General.
Effectivity and Supersession
- Executive Order No. 635 (October 27, 1953) is revoked, consolidating and clarifying the Commission’s authority and functions.
- The order was signed by then-President Elpidio Quirino and took effect on December 15, 1953.
This executive order institutionalizes the efforts to memorialize a national hero while also addressing social welfare concerns through an organized body with defined membership, powers, and fiduciary responsibilities.