FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
7 JLL -4 
fi ’! :i 
I’ 
First Regular Session 
) 
Introduced by Senator Loren Legarda 
EXPLANATORY NOTE: 
This bill seeks to create a National Commission on Muslim Filipinos that will 
take over the present functions of the Office on Muslim Affairs to promote more 
independence, autonomy and governmental assistance in the implementation of 
economic, educational, cultural, and infrastructure programs for Muslim Filipinos. 
Section 5, Article I11 of the 1987 Constitution provides that the free exercise and 
enjoyment of religious profession and worship, without discrimination or preference, 
shall forever be allowed. This State policy had been pronounced even during the 
Freedom Constitution of 1937 under President Corazon Aquino when Executive Order 
No. 122-A was promulgated Creating the Office on Muslim Affairs (OMA). OMA was 
mandated to preserve and develop the culture, traditions, institutions and well-being of 
Muslim Filipinos in conformity with the country’s laws and in consonance with 
national unity and development. 
Nearly twenty (20) years into the implementation of the law, the OMA is more 
popularly known for its involvement in the yearly pilgrimage to Mecca or Hajj, rather 
than its over-all mandate. There is a need to amend its charter to expand its present 
mandate to address the diverse needs of some 10 million Filipinos comprising 14% of 
the Philippine population. 
This bill seeks to do that by creating a National Commission on Muslim Filipinos 
with an expanded mandate to include not just preserving and developing the culture, 
traditions, institutions and well-being of Muslim Filipinos, but likewise to coordinate 
and consult with various government agencies, and oversee the proper implementation 
of all laws and policies that affect Muslim Filipinos. This proposed measure likewise 
tasks the Commission to undertake Halal certification and regulatory activities in 
coordination and prior ccjiLsultation with the National Meat Inspection Commission 
prior to its implementation. Finally, the Commission shall promote and supervise the 
implementation of the Madrasah education system throughout the country, except in 
ARMM. 
In view of the importance of this proposed legislation to the growth and 
development of Muslim Filipinos in the country, immediate passage of this bill is 
earnestly sought. 
LOREN LEGARDA 
Senator 


FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
7 
JUL -4 
i! 2 :i; r: 
First Regular Session 
1 
S.B. No. 
SENAv30 
Introduced by Senator Loren Legarda 
AN ACT 
CREATING THE NATIONAL COMMISSION ON MUSLIM FILIPINOS DEFINING 
ITS POWERS, FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES AND APPROPRIATING 
FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURP. OSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representative of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
Sec. 1. Short Title. This Act shall be known as the "Act Creating the National 
Commission on Muslim Filipinos". 
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. It is henceforth the policy of the State to insure the 
rights and well-being of Muslim Filipinos with due regard to their beliefs, customs, 
traditions and institutions, as well as to further ensure their contribution to national 
goals and aspirations and to make them active participants in nation building. 
ARTICLES I 
Creation, Composition, Term of Office of the Commission 
Sec. 3. Creation of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos. In pursuance 
of the above-mentioned policy, the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos, herein 
after referred to as the Commission, is hereby created. 
The Commission shall be an independent, autonomous body, and will take over 
the functions of the Office on Muslim Affairs (OMA), which is hereby abolished. It shall 
be subject to existing government rules, policies and regulations. Its coverage shall be 
both local and national affairs involving Muslim Filipinos that includes the 
implementation of economic, educational and cultural programs for Muslim Filipino 
communities. 
Sec. 4. 
Mandate. The Commission shall preserve and develop the culture, 
tradition, institutions and well-being of Muslim Filipinos, in conformity with the 
country's laws and in consonance with national unity and development. Likc +rise, the 
Commission shall coordinate and consult with various government agencies, and 
oversee the proper implementation of all laws and policies that affect Muslim Filipinos. 
Sec. 5. Composition of the Commission. The Commission shall be composed of 
nine (9) full-time members who are Muslim Filipinos: Provided that, two (2) of the 
Commissioner shall each come from the women and the Ulama (religious leader) sector; 
and: Providedfinally that, equitable representation from all Muslim tribes shall, as far as 
practicable, be ensured at any given time. 


The President shall appoint the regular members of the Commission. The 
Commissioners shall be academic degree holders and must speak and write fluently the 
English and/or Arabic languages. They shall be individuals who possess the highest 
degree of integrity and shall have the endorsement of their respective tribes. 
The President shall appoint a Chairman of the Commission from among the nine 
(9) Commissioners who shall serve for a period of two (2) years. The Chairmanship of 
the Commission shall then rotate among the nine (9) Commissioners by one particular 
tribal group. No Commissioner shall serve as Chairman for two (2) consecutive terms. 
In no case shall the Commissioner appoint representatives to act on their behalf. 
The Commission may create a Council of Advisers to be composed of religious, 
traditional, and tribal leaders. The Council shall advice the Commission on matters 
pursuant to the Commission’s mandate. 
Sec. 6. Term Of Office. The Commissioners shall have a term of office of six (6) 
years without prejudice to reappointment by the President. Of the nine (9) 
Commissioners, the first three appointed shall hold office for term of six (6) years, the 
next three appointed shall hold office for a term of four (4) years, and the last three 
appointed shall hold office for a term of two (2) years. 
Should a Commissioner fail to complete his or her term, the President shall 
appoint a successor from the tribe or sector the Commissioner represents. The successor 
will only serve for the unexpired portion of the term. 
The Chairman of the Commission and commissioners shall have the rank of 
Department Secretary and Undersecretaries respectively and shall be subject to the 
same qualifications as provided under existing laws. 
Sec. 7. Removal from Muslim. The President may, on his own initiative or upon 
recommendation by any Muslim tribal group or sector, remove any member of the 
Commission before the expiration of his term for cause and after complying with the 
due process requirement of the law. 
ARTICLE I1 
Powers and Functions 
Sec. 8. Power and Functions. To accomplish its mandate, the Commission shall 
have the following powers and functions: 
(a) 
Provide advice and assistance to the President in the formulation, coordination, 
implementation and monitoring of policies, plans, programs and projects 
affecting Muslim communities; when so authorized by the President, ,. -p resent 
the President on matters concerning Muslim communities; serve as a link 
between the President and public or private agencies, internal or external, 
involved in such programs and projects; and recommend such affirmative 
actions as may be necessary for their efficient and effective implantation; 
(b) 
Undertake and coordinate development programs and projects for the 
advancement of Muslim communities, including designing, implementing and 
maintaining settlements for Muslim communities; 


Act as the primary government agency through which Muslim Filipinos can seek 
government assistance and redress; serve as the medium through which such 
assistance may be extended to Muslim Filipinos; for this purpose, the 
Commission is hexby authorized, subject to existing auditing rules and 
regulations, to give grants-in-aid out of its appropriations or appropriate funds 
to cooperating government agencies for such programs or projects which are for 
the development of Muslim communities; provide services including legal 
assistance, medica1 aid, relief and other forms of assistance for socio-economic 
upliftment of Muslim communities; 
Enter, subject to existing laws, policies and buidelines, into such contracts, 
agreements or arrangements with government or private agencies or entities as 
may be necessary to attain the objectives of the Commission, including obtaining 
loans from lending institutions, subject to the approval of the President, which 
shall finance the implementation of the provisions of this Act; 
In accordance with pertinent laws, rules and regulations then in force, and 
subject to guidelines provided by the President, promote and enhance the 
development of domestic trade and commerce among the members of the 
Muslim communities; or promote or facilitate the establishment by members of 
the Muslim communities of venture and investments in cooperation or 
coordination with &sting public enterprises, corporations or private entities, or 
subject to prior approval of the President, initiate and/or organize, in accordance 
with pertinent laws, rules and regulations then in force, enterprises based on the 
principles of Islamic business and finance consistent with existing policies and 
guideline for the benefit and welfare of the regions of autonomy; 
Recommend to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) the proposed 
expenditure for the development of all Filipino Muslim communities; 
Develop criteria for allocating additional resources for education, economic and 
cultural development programs; 
Monitor and evaluate the performance of all existing development programs and 
policies of the government that seek to strengthen and uplift the socio-economic 
conditions of Filipino Muslims and identity areas that need government 
intervention and support; 
Acquire, in any lawful manner, such personal or real property; or any interest 
therein, as it deems itecessary or convenient in the transaction of its business; to 
hold, maintain, sell, lease, or otherwise dispose of such property or any interest 
therein; and to provide services in connection therewith and charges therefore; 
Accept grants, donations, gifts funds and/or properties in whatever source, in 
coordination with the appropriate agency for the benefit of the Muslim Filipinos, 
and administer the same in accordance with the terms thereof, or in absence of 
any condition, In such manner consistent with the interest of Muslim Filipinos as 
well as existing laws; 
Undertake studies, establish and maintain ethnographic research centers and 
museums on the cultures and institutions of Muslim Filipinos for policy 
formulation and program implementation and for the purpose of preserving 
their historical heritage; 


(1) Certify, wherever appropriate, membership of persons in Muslim communities 
for purposes of establishing qualifications for specific requirements of 
government and private agencies or for benefits as may be provided by law; 
(m) 
Conduct inspections or surveys, jointly with the appropriate government 
agencies, and issue necessary certifications prior to the grant of any license, lease 
or permit for the exploitation of natural resources affecting the interests of 
Muslim communities or areas occupied by them; and in case of conflicts, 
recommend to the President appropriate action under the circumstances; 
(n) Provide legal and technical services for the survey, adjudication, titling, and 
development of Muslim ancestral lands as well as settlements proclaimed by the 
government for the Muslim Filipinos; 
(o) Initiate, plan, integrate, execute, implement, coordinate, manage, supervise and 
administer all aspects and phases of programs, projects and activities relevant to 
the annual hajj (piligrimage) to Mecca, Saudi Arabia; 
(p) Coordinate with and obtain assistance, support and cooperation from other 
offices including thepivate sector to ensure the success of every such pilgrimage 
to Mecca, Saudi Arabia; 
(4) Conduct a continuing study on, and submit to the President recommendation for 
improving and modernizing the system employed to ensure the success of every 
such pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia; 
(r) Prescribe rules and regulations in the administration, supervision and orderly 
conduct of such pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia; 
(s) Undertake HaIal (permissible under Islamic Law) certification and regulatory 
activities and oversee the Philippine Halal Certification scheme and formulate 
rules, guidelines and sanctions for non-compliance therewith in coordination 
with the National Meat Inspection Commission; 
(t) Operate Halal Training and Research Facility to support the Philippine Halal 
Certification scheme; 
(u) Administer and hc!d in trust awqaf (endowment) properties and/or awqaf 
institutions, and receive, by way of grant, donations, or gifts, awqaf investments 
in accordance with the principles of Islamic investments and Finance; 
(v) Prescribe rules and regulations for the establishment of awqaf institutions, 
administration of awqaf assets, and settlement of disputes among awqaf 
beneficiaries pursuant to the general principles of Shari'ah (Islamic Law); 
(v7)Formulate and adopt a program for the development of the Madrasah schools, in 
cooperation and coordination with appropriate agencies of the government 
including 
the strengthening of programs on Islamic studies; and conduct 
continuing programs on legal education and research in the field of Shari'ah and 
Islamic jurisprudence; 


(x) Promote and supervise, in coordination with appropriate agencies of the 
government, the impiementation of the Madrasah education system throughout 
the country except in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) 
where the system shall be implemented and supervised by the Department of 
Education ARMM; and provide assistance in the expeditious accreditation of 
Madrasah educational institutions with the appropriate agencies of the 
government; 
(y) Ensure that the curriculum of the Madrasah education system shall conform with 
the basic curriculum of the national formal education system which along with 
teachings on Arabic Language, Islamic Studies, and Filipino and Islamic Values 
shall include, among others, the subjects on Filipino and English Grammar and 
Usage, Philippine History and Geography, Science and Technology, 
Mathematics, Physical Education and Sports Development, and Vocational 
Education to secure the local and international competitiveness of Filipino 
Muslim graduates from the Madrasah educational institutions; 
(2) Develop criteria for the grant of local and foreighn scholarships and the selection 
of deserving students and teachers of Madrasah educational Institutions; 
Solicit and accept grants, donations, gifts and funds from local and 
foreign sources to assist in the construction and repair of Madaris 
school buildings, acquisition of furniture and fixtures m d  other 
educational facilities, procurement of textbooks instructional 
materials and supplies. Provided that the disposition of the grant 
proceeds shall be subject to existing auditing rules and regulations; 
Provide local and foreign scholarships to deserving Muslim 
Filipinos in coordination with formal educational institutions here 
and abroad; 
Ensure the continuous transfer of 
technology to muslim 
communities to uplift the quality of life of Muslim Filipinos; 
Promulgate such rules and regulations and exercise such powers 
and functions as maybe necessary to carry out the purposes and 
objectives outlined in this Act; and 
Perform such other functions as may be necessary for its effective 
operations and continued enhancement as a government entity. 
SEC. 9. Administrative Supervision and Control. 
The administrative 
supervision and control over the personnel, except the Commissioners, and the 
properties of the commission shall be vested in the Chairman. Except Presidential 
appointees, the appointment of and imposition of disciplinary measures on the same 
personnel shall likewise be vested in the Chairman who shall accomplish the same in 
consultation with the Commissioners, except that when the administrative charge 
entails, considering the circumstances alleged in the complaint, the penalty of dismissal 
from the service, the decision thereon shall be by the majority of all members of the 
Commission. 
The Chairman shall exercise administrative supervision ,over the 
Commissioners. The Commissioners shall assist the Chairman in the performance of 
his functions, who may assign or delegate specific and substantive or administrative 
responsibilities to either of them. 


SEC. 10. Bureaus. The Bureaus of the commission shall consist of the Bureau of 
Economic Affairs, Bureau of Muslim Cultural Affairs, Bureau of Muslim Cultural 
Settlements and Infrastructure, Bureau of External Relations, and the Bureau of 
Pilgrimage and Endowment. Each of these Bureaus shall be headed by a dirzctor who 
shall hold the same rank, salary, and privileges of a Staff Bureau Director under existing 
laws. 
(a) Bureau of Economic Affairs. 
This bureau shall promote and develop 
economic livelihood programs and projects through extension of loans, 
entrepreneurship, trade and marketing assistance to the members of Muslim 
Filipino communities. It shall also be responsible for the promotion and 
development of cooperative endeavors among Muslims in coordination with 
the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA). It shall likewise promote 
and implement manpower training and community self-help projects for the 
economic development of Muslim Filipinos. 
(b) Bureau of Muslim Cultural Affairs. This bureau shall be responsible for the 
conduct of research and studies on the cultural development of Muslim 
communities which would serve as the basis for policy and plans 
formulation, program and project implementation. 
It shall formulate and implement an education program especially 
designed to improve the literacy level of Muslim Filipinos, and maintain a 
central library, museum and audio-visual center to serve as repositories of 
information on the Muslim peoples. 
It shall be responsible for the Madrasah institutions in the country wherein 
it will assist and facilitate the applications for registration and accreditation with 
the Department of Education (DepEd). It shall oversee the conduct of the Annual 
Quran Reading Competition. 
(c) Bureau of Muslim Settlement and Infrastructure. This Bureau shall be 
responsible for the promotion and development of Muslim settlements and 
implementation of 
infrastructure projects within the settlement in 
coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 
(d) Bureau of External Relations. This Bureau shall be responsible in forging 
linkages and relationships with Muslim peoples, communities and 
organizations in and out of the country. This shall also serve as tile political 
arm of the Commission. 
(e) Bureau of Pilgrimage and Endowment. This Bureau shall be primarily 
responsible for the administration of the annual Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca, 
Saudi Arabia; and the formulation and implementation of programs, projects 
and activities for the efficient and effective administration and supervision of 
the conduct of pilgrimage activities; Provided that, the supervision accorded 
the Bureau under this Section shall not include control of awqaf 
(endowment) properties and institutions, and the conduct of research and 
studies for the establishment and maintenance of hajj towns, Islamic centers 
and awqaf projects. 


In pursuance of the above responsibilities, this bureau shall formulate 
the necessary guidelines to ensure the timely processing of the pilgrim’s 
travel documents and the equitable and reasonable collection of fees. Such 
collection shall be limited to mutawiff and passporting/processing fees only. 
Collected fees shall be deposited in a special trust fund which shall be 
established by the Commission, the expenses from which shall be subject to 
existing auditing laws, rules and regulations. 
The pilgrims shall be accorded free choice of travel agencies and airlines 
or other means of transportation to and from the site of pilgrimage: Provided 
That, pilgrims comply with the prescribed arrival and departure schedule 
fixed by the ministry of Hajj of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Provided 
Further That, all pilgrims shall be legitimate holders of round trip tickets to 
and from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. There shall be established regional 
and provincial hajj coordinating and monitoring units. The Bureau shall also 
accredit qualified and deserving sheiks. It shall also formulate, subject to the 
approval of the Commission, the timetable of annual hajj activities which 
shall be posted in all areas accessible to Muslim Filipinos. 
Sec. 11. Services. The Services shall consist of the Administrative Service, 
Finance Management Service, Planning Service and Legal Service, each if which shall be 
headed by a Staff Director with the same rank, salary and privileges of an Assistant 
Staff Bureau Director. 
(a) Administrative Service. This Service shall be responsible for providing 
the Commission with efficient and effective staff services relating to 
personnel, information, records, supplies, equipment, collection, 
disbursement, security, and custodial work. 
(b) Finance and Management Service. These Services shall be responsible 
for providing the Commission with efficient and effective staff advise 
and assistance on budgetary, financial and management matters. 
(c) Planning Service. This Service shall be responsible for providing the 
Commissior.- with efficient and effective staff services relating to 
planning, monitoring, and evaluation of programs and projects. 
(d) Legal Service. This Service shall be responsible for providing Muslim 
Filipinos with legal education and assistance in case of litigation 
involving their persons or interests; act as the legal counsel of the 
Commission; and investigate cases involving its personnel and submit 
appropriate recommendations pertaining thereto. 
Sec. 12. 
Regional Offices, Field Offices, Sub-Offices. The Commission is 
hereby authorized to establish, operate, and maintain Regional Offices in such 
appropriate administrative regions of the country, each of which shall be headed by a 
Regional Director. A Regional Director shall have, within its region, the following 
functions: 


(a) Implement laws and policies, plans, programs, projects, rules and 
(b) Provide efficient and effective service to the Muslim Filipinos; 
(c) Coordinate with Regional Offices of other departments, offices, and 
(d) Coordinate with local government units; and 
(e) Perform such other functions as may be provided by Iaw. 
regulations of the Commission; 
agencies of the Executive Department; 
Sec. 13. Hajj Attache. The President shall appoint a hajj Attache from among 
the three (3) recommendees of the Commission. The Hajj Attache shall coordinate with 
the Ministry of Hajj of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on all matters pertaining to the 
conduct of the annual Hajj. 
Sec. 14. Amirul Hajj. The President shall appoint an Amirul Hajj from the 
three (3) recommendees of the Commission who shall come from the Autonomous 
Region in Muslim Mindanao, Association of Shiekhs, and Ulama Conference of the 
Philippines The Amirul Hajj shall serve as the representative of the President and as the 
head of the Muslim Filipinc pilgrims who will attend annual Hajj. 
Sec. 15. Change of Pilgrim’s Name. The Commission shall authenticate the 
certification which is issued by the Hajj Attache and the ministry of Hajj of the kingdom 
of Saudi Arabia and which provides a Muslim name to a pilgrim. The authentication 
issued by the Commission, which shall contain both the pilgrim’s registered name in 
the Philippine Civil Registry and his newly-issued Muslim name, shall then be legally 
recognized by the national government as valid for all intents and purposes. 
ARTICLE I11 
Commission Fund, Management and Administration 
Sec. 16. The Commission Fund. A Commission Fund heretofore known as the 
Muslim Filipinos shall be established exclusively to preserve and develop the culture, 
tradition institutions, and well being of Muslim Filipinos. ‘The government’s 
contribution to the Fund shall be the following: 
(a) The amount of Seven Hundred Million Pesos (P700,000,000.00) which shall be 
appropriated in the national budget as annual expenditure; 
(b) The amount of fifty Million Pesos (50,000,000,00) for the initial operation of the 
Commission to be appropriated out of the funds of the National Treasury; and 
(c) The equivalent of thirty percent (30%) from the Mindanao Development Fund 
shall be allocated to the Commission. 
Sec. 17. Management of Funds. The Commission may from time to time, invest 
any of its funds not immediately required to be expanded in meeting its obligations or 
in the discharge of its functions, in such secured notes, government securities and other 
negotiable instruments that satisfy the guidelines prescribed by the Commission. 
Sec. 18. Record of Transaction. The Commission shall keep proper accounts and 
records of all its transactions and affairs, and shall exert all efforts to ensure that all 


payments made out of its moneys are correctly made and properly authorized, and that 
adequate control is maintained over the assets of, or in the custody of, the Commission 
and the expenditures it may incur. The Commission shall be subject to audit by COA. 
Sec. 19. Civil Service Law Coverage for Employees. The hiring, appointment, 
employment, promotion, disciplinary control, separation, and other terms and 
conditions of the service of all employees of the Commission and such other matter 
affecting its employees shall be consistent with the provisions of the Civil Service Law, 
rules and regulations. 
Sec. 20. GSIS Coverage for Employees. All employees of the Commission shall 
be deemed members of the Government Service Insurance System and shall enjoy all 
benefits of the said system. 
Sec. 21. Transitory Provisions. Upon the creation of the Commission, the OMA 
shall cease to operate. All the powers, functions, assets, liabilities, capital, accounts, 
contracts equipment, and facilities of the OMA shall be transferred to the Commission. 
During the transition period which begins upon approval of this Act the President 
may appoint the incumbent Executive Director of the OMA as ex-officio Chairman of 
the Commission until the Chairman of the Commission shall have been appoint-d, 
All regular or permanent employees can be absorbed or transformed to the 
Commission, provided they possess the necessary qualifications, and shall not suffer 
any loss of seniority or rank or decrease in emoluments. 
The Chairman shall recommend to the Commission an organizational plan that 
includes programming direction, budget, organizational plan and structure, a staffing 
pattern and compensation plan within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this Act. 
Said organizational structure shall be implemented by the chairman within thirty (30) 
days after its approval by the commission. 
Sec. 22. Periodic Performance Evaluation. The Chairman is hereby required to 
formulate and enforce a system of measuring and evaluating periodically and 
objectively the performance of the Commission and submit the same annually to the 
President. 
Sec. 23. Separability Clause. If, for any reason, any section or provision of this Act 
is declared unconstitutional or invalid, the other section or provisions hereof, which are 
not affected thereby shall continue in full force and effect. 
Sec. 24. Repealing Clause. All acts, decrees, orders, executive orders, instructions, 
rules and regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act hereby 
repealed or modified accordingly. 
Sec. 25. Effectivity Clause. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in two (2) national newspapers or general circulation. 
Approved,