Angara files bill vs. art forgery

Alarmed by the prevalence of art forgeries in the country, Senator Edgardo J. Angara has filed a bill seeking to penalize any person who imitates or sell works of art with the intent to deceive the buyer as to the authenticity of the work.

"We have recently witnessed controversial cases of art forgeries. Since art belongs to that realm which is within the purview of what we call 'intellectual property', theft of art is one of the most difficult to prosecute and ascertain."

"This bill aims to erase most of the vagueness, misinterpretations and loopholes that have plagued cases of art forgeries as it clearly spells out the specific act that would constitute art forgery," Angara said.

Art forgeries are committed by any person who circulates any work of art bearing forged or usurped signatures.

This measure also seeks to create an Art Authentication Board which will be composed of a Chairman and four members to be appointed by the President of the Philippines in consultation with the Presidential Commission on Culture and Arts.

The Board shall verify and certify as original any work of art submitted to them for authentication, accredit art galleries and art dealers subject to the rules and regulations prescribed by the Board, initiate investigation and recommend prosecution of all persons who may have violated the provisions of this Act and impose fines and sanctions for violation of its rules and regulations.

The bill provides that any person who commits violations of this act shall be imprisoned for a minimum of six years to a maximum of 12 years and a fine of not more than P50,000,00 but not less than P5,000.00.

"We shall continue to protect, conserve, develop and promote the nation's cultural heritage, artistic creations and resources," he stressed.