Creating The Cultural Center Of The Philippines, Defining Its Objectives, Powers And Functions And For Other Purposes

Case Overview and Summary

Summary of Presidential Decree No. 15

Creation and Purpose of the Cultural Center of the Philippines
- Creates the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) as a non-municipal public corporation with its main office in Manila. (Section 1)
- Objectives of the CCP include:
• Constructing and maintaining a national theater, music hall, art gallery, and other facilities for cultural events. (Section 2a)
• Promoting awareness and appreciation of Philippine cultural heritage. (Section 2b)
• Cultivating public interest in Philippine arts. (Section 2c)
• Discovering, assisting, and developing talents in cultural pursuits. (Section 2d)
• Encouraging the organization of cultural groups and staging of cultural exhibitions and performances. (Section 2e)

Nature and Powers of the CCP
- The CCP is a non-municipal public corporation with autonomy in policy and operations. (Section 3)
- The CCP has perpetual succession, can sue and be sued, own property, receive gifts, adopt a seal and by-laws, and perform necessary acts to carry out its functions. (Section 4)
- The CCP shall have perpetual succession. (Section 5)

Board of Trustees
- The CCP shall be governed by a Board of 9 trustees serving without compensation. (Section 6)
- The initial trustees shall be the ones appointed under Executive Order No. 30, who shall elect the remaining trustees. (Section 6a)
- Trustees shall serve 4-year terms, with vacancies filled by election by the remaining trustees. (Section 6b)
- Trustees must be Philippine residents, of good moral standing, and at least 25 years old, with a majority being Filipino citizens. (Section 6c)
- Trustees cannot be reelected for more than two consecutive terms. (Section 6c)
- Trustees seeking political office shall be deemed automatically resigned upon filing of candidacy. (Section 6d)
- A majority of trustees shall constitute a quorum. (Section 6e)

By-Laws and Personnel
- The Board of Trustees shall promulgate rules and regulations governing the CCP in a Code of By-Laws. (Section 7)
- The Chairman, with the Board's confirmation, shall appoint officers, staff, and personnel of the CCP, who must be Philippine residents. (Section 8)
- The CCP may elect membership in the Government Service Insurance System for its officers and employees. (Section 8)

Regional Chapters and Properties
- The CCP shall establish regional cultural centers in all regions of the Philippines. (Section 9)
- The CCP shall succeed to all rights, titles, and interests of the trust created by Executive Order No. 30, including properties and obligations. (Section 10)
- The land described in Presidential Proclamation No. 316 is assigned and transferred to the CCP in fee simple, but shall revert to the government if the CCP ceases to exist. (Section 12)

Finances and Tax Exemption
- The CCP shall be financed by income from its assets and operations, as well as contributions from the private sector. (Section 11)
- 5% of the total annual collections of all amusement taxes is appropriated for the yearly maintenance and support of the CCP. (Section 11)
- Government corporations are authorized to contribute up to 15% of their annual unimpaired surplus to the CCP. (Section 11)
- Contributions to the CCP shall be considered deductible expenses. (Section 11)
- The CCP shall be exempt from all forms of taxation and duties on imported equipment and goods necessary for its operations. (Section 13)

Reporting and Other Provisions
- The CCP shall submit an annual report to the President and Congress on its activities and financial condition. (Section 14)
- If any part of the Act is adjudged invalid, it shall not affect the other provisions. (Section 15)
- The Act shall take effect upon its approval. (Section 16)