FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC ) 
\I!$ .-‘j ij 1, :’i 3 
7 .,IA. 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
) 
NTRODUCED BY SEN. JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Section 5 of the Bill of Rights of the 1987 Constitution provides that “The free 
exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship, without discrimination or 
preference, shall forever be allowed.” 
In pursuance of this Constitutional mandate, the State guarantees the rights and 
well-being of Muslim Filipinos with due regard to their beliefs, customs, traditions and 
institutions, giving them the opportunity to contribute to nation-building. 
This bill 
therefore seeks to create the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos, an independent, 
autonomous body which will replace and take over the functions of the Office of Muslim 
Affairs (OMA). 
This Commission shall he subject to existing rules, policies and 
regulations. 
Its policies shall be both local and national affairs involving Muslim 
Filipinos that iiicludes the implementation of economic, educational, cultural, and 
infrastructure programs for Muslim Filipino communities. 
In view of addressing the needs of the Muslim Filipinos, the passage of this bill is 
earnestly sought. 
C
J
I
X
C
I
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O
 
ESTRADA 
enator 


FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC ) 
) 
”7 *JJt -,$ 
n.3:13 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
) 
S E N A T E  
, ”  
-- 
Senate Bill No. 673 ./d 
~~ 
INTRODUCED BY SEN. JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA 
AN ACT 
CREATING THE NATIONAL COMMISSION ON MUSLIM FILIPINOS 
DI<FINING ITS I’OWERS, FUSCTIONS AND RESPONSJBII.IIIES ANI) 
APPROPIUATIUC. FUNDS TIIEREFOR AND FOR (Yllll<R I’IJRPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives in Congress 
assembled: 
SECTION 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. 
ARTICLE I 
Creation, Composition, Term of Office of the Commission 
SEC. 3. Creation of tlie 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 tale 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. 
Section 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. 
Section 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 Commissioners shall each come 
from the women and the Ulama (religious leader) sector; and: Provided 
Fnatly 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) 
3 


years. The Chairmanship of the Commission shall then rotate among the 
nine (9) Commissioners to ensure that leadership in the Commission is 
not: monopolized or dominated by one particular tribal group. 
No 
Commissioner shall serve as Chairman for two (2) consecutive terms. 
In no case shall the Commissioners 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 advise the 
Commission on matters pursuant to the Commission’s mandate. 
Section 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 a term of six (6) years, the next three (3) 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. 
4 


Section 7. Removal from Office. - 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 catise and after complying with the due process requirement 
of the law. 
ARTICLE 11 
Powers and Functions 
Section 8. Powers and Functions. - To accomplish its mandate, 
the Commission shall have the following powers and functions: 
(a) 
Provide advice and assistmce 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, 
represent 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 implementation; 
(b) 
Undertake and coordinate development programs and 
projects for the advancement of Muslim communities, 
including 
designing, 
implementing 
and 
maintaining 
settlements for Muslim communities; 
5 


(c) 
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 purposes, the 
Commission is hereby authorized, subject to existing 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, medical aid, relief and 
other forms of assistance for socio-economic upliftment of 
Muslim communities; 
(d) 
Enter, subject to existing laws, policies and guidelines, 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; 
(e) 
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 of venture and investments in 
cooperation or coordination with existing public enterprises. 
Corporations or private entities, or subject to prior approval 
6 


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 guidelines for 
the benefits and welfare of the regions of autonomy; 
(0 
Recommend to the Department of Budget and Management 
(DBM) the proposed expenditure for the development of dl 
Filipino Muslim communities; 
(g) 
Develop criteria for allocating additional resources for 
education, economic and cultural development programs; 
(h) 
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 identify areas that need government 
internention and support; 
(i) 
Acquire, in any lawful manner, such personal or red 
property; or any interest therein, as it deems necessary 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 therefor; 
0) 
Accept grants, donations, gifts funds and/or properties in 
whatever source, in coordination with the appropriate agency 
.
.
.
.
 
7 


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; 
(IC) 
Undertalm 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, whenever 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 hy the government 
for the Muslim Filipinos; 
8 


(0) Initiate, plan, integrate, execute, implement, coordinate, 
manage, supervise and administer all aspects and phases of 
programs, projects and activities relevant to the annual hajj 
(pilgrimage) to Mecca, Saudi Arabia; 
(p) 
Coordinate with and obtain assistance, support and 
cooperation from other offices including the private sector to 
ensure the success of every such pilgrjmage to Mecca, Saudi 
Arabia: 
(q) 
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 Halal (permissible under Islamic Law) certification 
and regulatory activities and oversee the Philippines 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; 
9 


(u) 
Administer and hold 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); 
(w) 
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 implementation 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 educations 
institutions with the appropriate agencies of the government; 
10 


(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 DeveIopment, and Vocational 
Education 
to 
secure 
the 
local 
and 
international 
competitiveness of Ii’ilipino Muslim graduates from the 
Madrasah educational institutions; 
(z) 
Develop criteria for the grant of local and foreign 
scholarships and the selection of deserving students and 
teachers of Madrasah educational institutions; 
(aa) Solicit and accept grants, donations, gifts and funds from 
local and foreign sources to assist in the construction and 
repair of Madaris schools buildings, acquisition of furniture 
and fixtures and 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; 
(bb) Provide local and foreign scholarships to deserving Muslim 
Filipinos in coordination with formal educational institutions 
here and abroad; 
11 


(cc) Ensure the continuous transfer of technology to Muslim 
communities to uplift the quality of life of Muslim Filipinos; 
(dd) 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 
(ee) 
Perform such other functions as may be necessary for its 
effective operations and continued enhancement as a 
government entity. 
Section 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. 
Section 10. Bureaus. - The Bureaus of the Commission shall 
consist of the Bureau of Economic Affairs, Bureau of Muslim Cultural 
." 
I' 


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 Director 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 
Muslim 
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 
13 


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 Quor’an Reading Competition. 
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). 
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 countv. This shall also serve as the 
political arm of the Commission. 
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 
14 


accorded the Bureau 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 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 ha3 coordinating and monitoring 
units. The Bureau shall also accredit qualified and deserving shiekhs. It 
shall also formulate, subject to the approval of the Commission, the 
timetable of annual haji activities which must be posted in all areas 
accessible to Muslim Filipinos. 
Section 11. Services. - 
The services shall consist of the 
Administrative Service, Finance Management Service, Planning Service 
15 


and Legal Service, each of 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 he 
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. - 
This Service 
shall be responsible for providing the Commission with 
efficient staff advise and assistance on budgetary, 
financial and management matters. 
(c) 
Planning Service. - This Service shaU be responsible 
for providing the Commission 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 interest; act as the legal counsel of the Commission; 
and investigate cases involving its personnel and 
submit 
appropriate recommendations 
pertaining 
thereto. 
16 


Section 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 whkh 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 regulations of the Commission; 
Provide efficient and effective service to the Muslim Filipinos; 
Coordinate with regional offices of other department, offices, 
and agencies of the Executive Department; 
Coordinate with local government units; and 
Perform such other functions as may be provided by law. 
(b) 
(c) 
(d) 
(e) 
Section 13. Hajj Attache. - 
The President shall appoint a Hajj 
Attache from among the three (3) recommendees of the Commission. The 
H a l  Attache shall coordinate with the Ministry of Hajj of the Kingdom of 
Saudi Arabia on all matters pertaining to the conduct of the annual Had. 
Section 14. AmW Hajj. - 
The President shall appoint an 
Amirul H a  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 H a j  shall serve as the representative of the President and as the 
head of the Muslim Filipino Pilgrims who will attend the annual Hajji. 
Section 15. Change of Pilgrim’s Name. - The Commission shall 
authenticate the certification which is issued by the Haij Attache and the 
17 


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 111 
Commission Fund, Management and Administration 
Section 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 
(W00,000,00.00) which shall be appropriated in the 
national budget as annual expenditure; 
the amount of Fifty Million Pesos (P50,000,000.00) 
for 
the initial operation of the Commission to be 
appropriated out of the funds of the National Treasury; 
and 
the equivalent of thirty percent (30%) from the 
Mindanao Development Fund shall be allocated to the 
Commission. 
(b) 
.
.
 
(c) 


Section 17. Management of Funds. - The Commission may from 
time to time, invest any of its funds not immediately required to be 
expended 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. 
,
.
 
Section 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. 
Section 19. CivU 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. 
Section 20. GSIS Coverage for Employees. - All employees of the 
Commission shall be deemed members of the Government Service 
Insurance System and shall enjoy all beneEts of the said system. 
Section 21. Transitory Provision. - Upon the creation of the 
Commission, the OMA shall cease to operate. All the powers, functions, 
19 


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 appointed. 
All regular or permanent employees can be absorbed or transferred 
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, 
Section 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. 
Section 23. Separability Clause. - If, for any reason, any section, 
or provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional or invalid, the other 
20 


section or provision hereof, which are not affected thereby shall continue in full force and 
effect. 
Section 24. Repealing Clause. - All acts, decrees, order, executive orders, 
instructions, rules and regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this 
Act is hereby repealed, modified or amended accordingly. 
Section 25. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved,