AN ACT DECLARING ARNIS AS THE NATIONAL MARTIAL ART AND SPORT OF THE PHILIPPINES

Case Overview and Summary

Summary of Republic Act No. 9850

Policy and Purpose
- The State aims to inculcate patriotism, nationalism, and appreciation of national heroes and symbols in the country's historical development. (Section 1)
- Priority is given to education, science and technology, arts and culture, and sports to foster patriotism and nationalism, accelerate social progress, and promote total human liberation and development. (Section 1)

Definition of Arnis
- Arnis, also known as Eskrima, Kali, Garrote, and other regional names, is an indigenous Filipino martial art and sport characterized by swinging, twirling, striking, thrusting, and parrying techniques using one or two sticks or similar implements, or with bare hands and feet. (Section 2)

Declaration of Arnis as the National Martial Art and Sport
- Arnis is declared as the Philippine National Martial Art and Sport. (Section 3)
- The symbol of arnis shall be inscribed in the official seal of the Philippine Sports Commission. (Section 3)
- Arnis shall be the first sport competition played on the first day of the annual Palarong Pambansa. (Section 3)
- The Philippine Sports Commission shall be the lead agency to implement the provisions of this Act. (Section 3)

Implementation and Regulations
- The Department of Education, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, and the Philippine Sports Commission shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this Act. (Section 4)

Repealing Clause
- Any provision of law, decree, executive order, rule or regulation in conflict or inconsistent with the provisions and/or purposes of this Act is hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly. (Section 5)

Effectivity
- This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. (Section 6)