Republic Act No. 5695

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

Section 1

There is established in the City of Lapu-lapu, Province of Cebu, a national shrine, to be known as the Liberty Shrine, which shall comprise the site of the Magellan Monument, including said monument and other improvements built thereon, which site is the approximate place where the historic battle of Mactan took place on April 27, 1521, between the forces of Ferdinand Magellan of Spain, and Lapu-lapu, the native chieftain, as well as the lands adjacent thereto whose acquisition by negotiation or expropriation is hereby authorized.

Section 2

There shall be constructed on any vacant place on the land where the battle of Mactan  took place, a monument to the native chieftain Lapu-lapu, and a Liberty House, wherein shall be depicted the important personages, places and events, including laws, customs and traditions in the history of this nation before and during the coming of Magellan.

Section 3

To carry out the purposes of this Act, including expenses for development and beautification, payment of adjacent lots which shall be acquired through negotiation or expropriation, the construction of a park and of a suitable resthouse for visitors and tourists thereon, and the payment of salaries of necessary personnel, the sum of one million pesos is hereby authorized to be appropriated, out of any funds in the National Treasury not otherwise appropriated. Such sums as may be necessary for the improvement and maintenance of the said Liberty Shrine in subsequent years shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

Section 4

This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Approved, June 21, 1969.