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19th CONGRESS ‘S
Third Regular Session ‘

House sit No. ~_ 11368

INTRODUCED BY REP. HARRIS CHRISTOPHER M. ONGCHUAN and
REP. DIMZHAR MATBA SALI

AN ACT
AMENDING ARTICLE I SECTION 5 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9997
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE “NATIONAL COMMISSION ON MUSLIM
FILIPINOS ACT OF 2009”

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) was established through
Republic Act No. 9997 in 2009 to serve as the primary government agency responsible
for preserving and developing the culture, traditions, institutions, and well-being of
Muslim Filipinos. The Commission is composed of nine full-time members, all of whom
are Muslim Filipinos, with specific representation from the women, youth, and Ulama
‘sectors.

To further enhance the inclusivity and representation within the NCMF, this proposed
amendment seeks to include a Commissioner from the Balik-Islam community. The
term "Balik-Isiam," derived from the Filipino word "balik," meaning "to return,” refers
to individuals who have embraced Islam, viewing it as their original faith of humanity.


‘A comprehensive study conducted by the University of the Philippines Center for
Integrative and Development Studies in 2023 delved into the motivations behind the
conversion of non-Muslims to Islam and the challenges they encounter. The study
highlighted that Balik-Islam individuals often face a range of challenges, including:

Personal Challenges: Adjusting to new religious practices and integrating Islamic
principles into dally life.

Familial Challenges: Navigating relationships with family members who may not accept
or understand their decision to embrace Islam and Community-Related Challenges

By amending Section 5 of RA 9997 to include a Commissioner from the Balik-Isam
community, this measure aims to ensure that their unique perspectives and concerns
are adequately represented within the NCMF. Such representation is crucial for
addressing the specific needs and challenges faced by Balik-Islam individuals, crafting
policies that are inclusive and considerate of the diverse experiences within the Muslim
Filipino population and promote understanding and acceptance of the Balik-Islam
community within the broader society.

In view of the foregoing, the passage of this measure is earnestly sought.
ye’
REP. HARRIS CHRISTOPHER M. ONGCHUAN
Representative, District of Northern Samar


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

19th CONGRESS
Third Regular Session

11368

HOUSE BILL NO.

INTRODUCED BY REP. HARRIS CHRISTOPHER M. ONGCHUAN and
REP. DIMZHAR MATBA SALI

AN ACT
AMENDING ARTICLE I SECTION 5 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9997
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE “NATIONAL COMMISSION ON MUSLIM
FILIPINOS ACT OF 2009”

SECTION 1. Article I Section 5 of Republic Act No. 9997 is hereby amended to
read as follows:

“SEC. 5. Composition of the Commission. — The Commission shall be
composed of nine (9) full-time members who are Muslim Filipinos and shall be
headed by a Secretary: Provided, That one (1) of the Commissioners shall come
from the women sector, one (1) from the youth sector, [and] another
Commissioner shall come from the Ulama sector, AND ONE (1) FROM THE
BALIK-ISLAM : Provided, further, That not more than two (2) Commissioners
shall come from the same Muslim Filipino tribe at any given time, to ensure a
more equitable representation in the Commission. 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 have the endorsement of their respective tribes or sectors.

XxX"

SEC. 2. Separability Clause. — If any provision of this Act shall be held
unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions not otherwise affected shall remain in
full force and effect.

SEC. 3. Repealing Clause. — All laws, decrees, orders, issuances, and rules and
regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby
repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 4. Affectivity Clause. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general
circulation.

Approved,

“a