The National Heroes Council Act

Selve UPffice of thir TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session ) 25 AUG 13 P1:07 S.B. No. 1178 RECEIVED BY: Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE NATIONAL HEROES COUNCIL UNDER THE NATIONAL HISTORICAL COMMISSION OF THE PHILIPPINES, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES EXPLANATORY NOTE The 1987 Constitution provides that educational institutions shall inculcate patriotism, nationalism, and appreciation of the role of national heroes in the historical development of the country. National heroes are important in our society as they embody ideals, inspire patriotism, and provide a sense of unity and purpose that will contribute to the nation's progress while at the same time preserving history and culture. Currently, there is no law, executive order, or proclamation enacted or issued that officially proclaims any Filipino historical personage as a "National Hero," hence compelling the President, Congress, national agencies, and local government units to, individually and sporadically, declare heroes' days and holidays, as requested. On 15 November 1995, after careful deliberation and thorough study, nine (9) Filipinos were recommended as "National Heroes' by the National Heroes Committee, supposed to be established by Executive Order No. 75, series of 1993, as follows: (1) Jose Rizal, (2) Andres Bonifacio, (3) Emilio Aguinaldo, (4) Apolinario Mabini, (5) Marcelo H. del Pilar, (6) Sultan Dipatuan Kudarat, (7) Juan Luna, (8) Melchora Aquino, and (9) Gabriela Silang. However, despite the submission of the report to the Secretary of the Department of Education and Congress, no action has since been taken. Thus, this bill seeks to create a National Heroes Council, within the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), which shall have the duty to select

and study exceptional Filipino personages as "National Heroes," in recognition of their personal accomplishments and invaluable contribution to the nation. Therefore, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. Fire h. more IMEER. MARCOS

Sellie Office of for escarp TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session 25 AUG 13 P1:07 SENATE S.B. No. 1178 RECEIED BY Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE NATIONAL HEROES COUNCIL UNDER THE NATIONAL HISTORICAL COMMISSION OF THE PHILIPPINES, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "National Heroes

Council Act."

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State to

ensure that educational institutions shall inculcate patriotism, nationalism, and appreciation of the role of national heroes in the historical development of the country. The National Heroes of the Philippines whose great sacrifice and inedible legacy should be honored, as mandated by the Constitution, for the youth's inspiration and emulation.

SEC. 3. National Heroes Council. - There is hereby created and established the

National Heroes Council, hereinafter referred to as the "Council," which shall be under the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP). The Council shall have the duty to study, evaluate, recommend, select, and declare Filipino personages as "National Heroes," in recognition of their personal accomplishments and invaluable contribution to the nation and in accordance to the criteria provided in Sec. 5 of this Act.

SEC. 4. Composition. - The Council shall be composed of the following:

(a) Chairperson of the NHCP; (b) One (1) representative from the Department of Education (DepEd); (c) One (1) representative from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA); and (d) Two (2) members from the academe who specialize on Philippine History.

Provided that, the NHCP Chairperson shall be considered as the Chairperson of the Council. Provided further that, the members mentioned in subparagraphs (a) to (c) shall be considered as ex officio members of the Council. The Chairperson, from time to time, may require the participation of such other government agencies or instrumentalities in the Council, as may be deemed necessary.

SEC. 5. Guidelines in the Selection of National Heroes. - The Council shall adopt

the following guidelines for the selection and declaration of "National Heroes," as follows: a) Has made a significant and lasting contribution to the country; b) Has enriched the lives of others; c) Has contributed to the quality of life of the people; d) Considered as outstanding in their area of activity; and e) Whose biography inspired the country.

SEC. 6. All departments, bureaus, offices, agencies and instrumentalities of the

Government, including Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations, and private institutions are hereby directed to extend the fullest support to the Council in the performance of its duties.

SEC. 7. Appropriations. - The necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act

shall be included in the budget of the NHCP in the General Appropriations Act (GAA).

SEC. 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Council shall issue the

necessary rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this Act within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this Act.

SEC. 9. Separability Clause. - If any reason any part or provision of this Act

shall be deemed unconstitutional or invalid, the other sections or provisions hereof shall not be affected and remain in force and effect.

SEC. 10. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its

publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. Approved,