FEB.

21, 2012 DATE

NR # 2686
REF. NO.

Bill to protect and conserve archeological discoveries in the country

Lawmakers are strongly pushing for the passage of the proposed Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage Act, in a bid to protect and conserve underwater archeological discoveries in the country. Reps. Michael Velarde, Jr. and Irwin Tieng (Party-list, Buhay) filed House Bill 5723 seeking to ban diving, use of explosives, and use of a pressure air hose, water hose or vacuum hose within a protected zone or a non-protected zone to recover objects of underwater cultural heritage. Underwater cultural heritage is an integral part of the Filipinos national pride, an important element not only in our history, but in our relationship with other countries as well, Tieng said. Tieng said experts calculate that indiscriminate diggings and underwater explorations have exposed the countrys cultural and historical sites to desecration and priceless cultural artifacts to destruction. The bill shall protect and conserve future underwater archeological discoveries by providing a statutory mechanism for a permit system on underwater exploration and excavation, Tieng said. Upon approval of this measure, ownership of all objects of underwater cultural heritage found in territorial waters, regardless of origin, is vested directly in the State, Tieng said. Under the bill, only duly accredited scientific and education institutions, duly registered non-stock and non-profit corporate entities or organizations in the field of underwater archaeology, government agencies or instrumentalities with proven ability to conduct underwater archaeological work, foreign institutions in the field of underwater archaeology registered with the Stock Exchange Commission (SEC) and allowed to do business in the Philippines, and individuals or juridical persons under sponsorship by a scientific or by educational institutions may be granted permits to explore or excavate. The bill provides that any person who discovers, by chance, any object of underwater cultural heritage is obliged to report his/her find to the National Museum or any of its branches within seven days from knowledge of its potential scientific, cultural, archaeological, paleontological or historical value. Violators face a 10 year jail term and a fine of not more than P100,000. All watercraft, equipment, tools paraphernalia, other instruments used for excavation and objects excavated in violation of the measure shall be confiscated and forfeited in favor of the National Museum. If the offender is an alien, he shall be under the custody of the Commission on Immigration and Deportation for the appropriate proceedings. The bill mandates the National Museum and the Philippine Tourism Authority conduct education campaigns and information drives about the Philippine underwater cultural heritage to tourist-divers and local divers clubs. Likewise, the National Museum shall promulgate rules and guidelines for the grant of permits/licenses to explore or excavate any underwater site for protected underwater cultural properties in Philippine waters subject to the provisions of this Act. (30) jsc