SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
Third Regular Session 
) 
SENATE 
Senate Bill No. 
'15 
AUG 10 P5 :00 
2894 
m;CEl'iEl:> B\,;~ 
Prepared jointly by the Committees on Local Government; Peace, Unification and 
0 
Reconciliation; and Constitutional Amendments and Revision of Codes, with 
Senators Franklin M. Drilon, Vicente C. Sotto III, Loren Legarda, Ralph G. Recto, 
Maria Lourdes Nancy S. Binay, Francis G. Escudero, Paolo Benigno "Bam" Aquino 
IV; Sonny Angara, Pia S. Cayetano, Gregorio B. Honasan II, and Teoftsto "TG" 
Guingona III, Ferdinand R. Marcos,Jr. and Miriam Defensor Santiago, as authors. 
"AN ACT 
PROVIDING FOR THE BASIC LAW FOR THE BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS 
REGION 
AND ABOLISHING THE 
AUTONOMOUS 
REGION 
IN 
MUSLIM 
MINDANAO, REPEALING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9054, 
ENTITLED "AN ACT TO STRENGTHEN AND EXPAND THE ORGANIC ACT FOR 
THE AUTONOMOUS REGION IN MUSLIM MINDANAO," AND REPUBLIC ACT 
NO. 6734, ENTITLED "AN ACT PROVIDING FOR AN ORGANIC ACT FOR THE 
AUTONOMOUS 
REGION 
IN 
MUSLIM 
MINDANAO," 
AND 
FOR 
OTHER 
PURPOSES" 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
ARTICLE I 
NAME AND PURPOSE 
1 
SEC. 1. Short Ti"e.- This law shall be known and cited as the "Basic Law for the 
2 
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region". 
3 
SEC. 2. Name. - The name of the political subdivision under this Basic Law shall be 
4 
the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. 
5 
As used in this law, the "Bangsamoro Autonomous Region" is the pOlitical subdivision 
6 
created by the Bangsamoro Basic Law which is an Autonomous Region as provided 
1 


1 
in Sec. 15, Article X of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, with the powers and 
2 
functions as provided under this law and other related laws. The Bangsamoro 
3 
Autonomous Region forms an inalienable part of the Philippines. 
4 
SEC. 3. Purpose. - The purpose of this Basic Law is to establish the Bangsamoro 
5 
Autonomous Region in accordance with the provisions of the 1987 Philippine 
6 
Constitution and the aspirations of the Muslim Filipinos and all indigenous cultural 
7 
communities for local self-governance. 
8 
ARTICLE 1/ 
9 
BANGSAMORO IDENTITY 
10 
SEC. 4. Bangsamoro People. - Those who at the time of conquest and colonization 
11 
of the Philippines by the Spaniards considered themselves natives or original 
12 
inhabitants of Mindanao, whether of mixed or of full blood: Provided, That the 
13 
foregoing profess the faith of Islam shall have the right to identify themselves as 
14 
Bangsamoro. Spouses and their descendants, at their option, shall also be part of 
15 
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. This provision shall not in any way derogate from 
16 
the provisions of Article IV of the 1987 Philippine Constitution. 
17 
SEC. 
5. 
Non-Moro Indigenous Cultural Communities - The rights of Non-Moro 
18 
Indigenous Cultural Communities as provided for in the Republic Act (RA) No. 8371 
19 
or the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) of 1997 and other related laws shall in 
20 
no way be impaired, diluted or diminished, even when such Non-Moro Indigenous 
21 
Cultural Communities are situated within the confines of the Bangsamoro 
22 
Autonomous Region. 
2 


1 
SEC. 6. Bangsamoro Symbol. - The Bangsamoro Parliament shall adopt the official 
2 
flag, emblem, administrative seal, and anthem of the Bangsamoro Autonomous 
3 
Region. 
4 
SEC. 7. Traditional Islamic Institutions - The prerogatives enjoyed by traditional 
5 
Islamic institutions such as the sultanates shall be maintained; the lawful 
6 
representatives of such institutions shall be consulted by the legislature and the 
7 
executive in matters relating to the enactment and the implementation of law for the 
8 
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region; such institutions shall, without need of invitation or 
9 
request or summons, have the right to submit position papers, memoranda and 
10 
proposals to Congress and to the Executive. 
11 
ARTICLE III 
12 
GEOGRAPHICAL AREA OF THE 
13 
BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION 
14 
SEC. 8. Definition of Geographical Area of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region -
15 
Geographical area refers to the land mass as well as the waters over which the 
16 
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region has jurisdiction. The area of the Bangsamoro 
17 
Autonomous Region shall remain a part of the Philippines. 
18 
SEC. 9. Geographical Area Of The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region -
The 
19 
geographical area of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region shall be composed of: 
20 
a. the present geographical area of the Autonomous Region In Muslim Mindanao 
21 
(ARMM); 
22 
b. the cities of Cotabato and Isabela; and 
3 


1 
c. any province or city which are contiguous and outside the geographical area of 
2 
the present ARMM where there is resolution of the local government unit or a 
3 
petition of at least ten percent (10%) of the registered voters in the area asking 
4 
for their inclusion at least two months prior to the conduct of a plebiscite of the 
5 
Basic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region and the process of 
6 
delimitation of the Bangsamoro geographical area. 
7 
In order to ensure the widest acceptability of the Basic Law of Bangsamoro 
8 
Autonomous Region in the geographical areas above-mentioned, a plebiscite shall 
9 
be conducted for this purpose in the political subdivision directly affected. 
10 
SEC. 
10. 
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region Waters -
The Bangsamoro 
11 
Autonomous Region Waters shall extend up to 22.224 kilometers (12 nautical miles) 
12 
from the low-water mark of the coasts that are part of the Bangsamoro geographical 
13 
area. Nothing in this Section shall diminish the powers, functions, rights and 
14 
privileges already enjoyed by the municipalities over their municipal waters as 
15 
provided under RA No. 7160 also known as the Local Government Code of 1991, 
16 
and RA No. 8550, otherwise known as the Philippine Fisheries Code of the 
17 
Philippines. 
18 
Where a constituent local government unit of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region 
19 
and an adjoining local government unit are so situated on the opposite shores such 
20 
that there is thirty (30) kilometers of waters or less between them, a line equally 
21 
distant from the opposite shores shall be drawn to demarcate the Bangsamoro 
22 
Autonomous Region waters and the municipal waters of the adjoining local 
23 
government unit. 
24 
Should they be so situated that there is more than thirty (30) kilometers but less than 
25 
37 kilometers of waters between them, a line shall be drawn at the edge of the 15 
4 


!. 
1 
kilometers municipal waters of the adjoining local government unit to demarcate it 
2 
from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region waters. 
3 
Ten (10) years after the passage of this Basic Law, the National Government and the 
4 
Bangsamoro 
Regional 
Government shall 
discuss the 
improvement of the 
5 
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region waters through the necessary processes and 
6 
modalities. 
7 
SEC. 11. Constituent Units. - The provinces, cities, municipalities and barangays 
8 
shall be the constituent units of the Bangsamoro Regional Government. 
9 
ARTICLE IV 
10 
GENERAL PRINCIPLES AND POLICIES 
11 
SEC. 12. Self-Governance. Within its territorial geographical area and subject to 
12 
the provisions of the 1987 Philippine Constitution and national laws, the Bangsamoro 
13 
Regional Government in the exercise of its right to self-governance is free to pursue 
14 
its economic, social and cultural development. 
15 
SEC. 13. Democratic Political System. The Bangsamoro Regional Government shall 
16 
be Parliamentary. Its political system is democratic, allowing its people to freely 
17 
participate in the political processes within its geographical area. 
18 
SEC. 14. Electoral System. - The Bangsamoro Regional Government shall adopt an 
19 
electoral system suitable to a Parliamentary form of government, which shall allow 
20 
democratic participation, encourage formation of genuinely principled political parties, 
21 
and ensure accountability. 
5 


1 
SEC. 
15. 
Promotion Of Unity. The Bangsamoro Regional Government shall 
2 
promote unity, peace, justice, and goodwill among all peoples, as well as encourage 
3 
a just and peaceful settlement of disputes. 
4 
The Bangsamoro Regional Government renounces war as an instrument of national 
5 
policy, adopts the generally accepted principles of international law as part of the law 
6 
of the land and adheres to the policy of peace, equality, justice, freedom, 
7 
cooperation, and amity with all nations. 
I\-
8 
SEC. 16. Social Justice. - The Bangsamoro Regional Government shall enact 
9 
measures that protect and enhance the right of all people to human dignity, reduce 
10 
social, economic and political inequalities, and remove cultural inequities by equitably 
11 
diffusing wealth and political power for the common good for its constituents. 
12 
SEC. 17. International Treaties And Agreements. - The Bangsamoro Regional 
13 
Government shall respect and adhere to all international treaties and agreements 
14 
binding upon the National Government. 
15 
SEC. 18. Declaration On the Rights Of Non-Mora Indigenous Peoples -
The 
16 
Bangsamoro Regional Government recognizes and promotes the rights of Non-Moro 
17 
indigenous peoples within the framework of the 1987 Philippine Constitution and 
18 
national laws. 
19 
ARTICLE V 
20 
POWERS OF GOVERNMENT 
21 
SEC. 19. Reserved Powers. - Reserved powers are matters over which authority 
22 
and jurisdiction are retained by the National Government. The National Government 
23 
shall exercise the following reserved powers: 
6 


1 
1. national defense, and internal and external security; 
2 
2. foreign affairs; 
3 
3. currency and policy direction in the areas of money, credit and banking; 
4 
4. postal service; 
5 
5. citizenship and naturalization; 
6 
6. immigration and deportation; 
7 
7. customs and tariff laws as qualified by Sec. 20 (8), Article V of this Basic Law; 
8 
8. common market and global trade: Provided, That the power to enter into 
9 
economic agreements given to the ARMM under RA No. 9054 is hereby 
10 
transferred to the Bangsamoro Regional Government as provided in Article XI, 
11 
Section 146 of this Basic Law; 
12 
9. intellectual property rights; 
13 
10. supervision over banks and non-banks financial institutions under the 
14 
jurisdiction of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP); 
15 
11. free ports. - The Bangsamoro Regional Government may establish free ports 
16 
in the 
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. 
The 
Bangsamoro 
Regional 
17 
Government shall coordinate with and assist the National Government on 
18 
customs, immigration, quarantine service, and international commitments. 
19 
Business and other enterprises operating within the Bangsamoro Autonomous 
20 
Region free ports shall be entitled to the fiscal incentives and other benefits 
21 
provided by the National Government to special economic zones. The free 
22 
ports within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region shall be contiguous/adjacent 
23 
to seaport or airport; and 
24 
12. all other powers, functions and responsibilities not granted by the 1987 
25 
Philippine Constitution or by law to the autonomous regions. 
26 
SEC. 20. Concurrent Powers. - Concurrent powers shall refer to the powers shared 
27 
between the National Government and the Bangsamoro Regional Government within 
28 
the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, as provided in this BaSic Law. 
7 


" 
1 
Concurrent powers enumerated hereunder shall be exercised through a system of 
2 
consultation, coordination and cooperation between the National Government and 
3 
Bangsamoro Regional Governments. 
4 
The National Government and the Bangsamoro Regional Government shall exercise 
5 
shared powers within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region on the following matters: 
6 
1. Social security and pensions. - The Bangsamoro Regional GOvernment may 
7 
organize its own social security and pension systems alongside the existing 
8 
National Government social security and pension systems. 
9 
The Bangsamoro Regional Government and the National Government through 
10 
consultative processes shall, among others, ensure that the investment of the 
11 
contributions from the members from the Bangsamoro Regional Government in 
12 
the National Government social security and pensions is responsive to their 
13 
cultural and religious sensitivities. 
14 
2. Quarantine. - There is hereby created an office for quarantine services in 
15 
the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. It shall coordinate with and assist the 
16 
National Government. 
17 
3. Pollution control - The Bangsamoro Regional Government shall coordinate 
18 
with and assist the National Government on matters of pollution control and 
19 
ecological and environmental preservation. 
20 
4. Human rights and humanitarian protection and promotion. - Subject to the 
21 
provisions of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, the Bangsamoro Regional 
22 
Government may organize its own bodies for human rights and humanitarian 
8 


<. 
1 
protection and promotion that will coordinate with and assist relevant national 
2 
institutions. 
3 
5. Auditing. -The Commission on Audit (COA) shall establish an auditing unit in 
4 
the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region which shall examine, audit and settle all 
5 
accounts pertaining to the revenue and receipts of, and expenditures or uses of 
6 
funds and property, owned or held in trust by, or pertaining to the Bangsamoro 
7 
Regional Governmento The Bangsamoro Regional Government shall ensure 
8 
transparency and accountability mechanisms consistent with open government 
9 
auditing practices and generally accepted financial management principles. 
10 
6. Civil service. - The Bangsamoro Regional Government shall design and 
11 
implement its own organizational structure and staffing pattern, taking into 
12 
consideration its service requirements and financial capability, subject to the 
13 
minimum standards and guidelines prescribed by the Civil Service Commission 
14 
(CSC). The CSC shall create a Bangsamoro Autonomous Regional Civil 
15 
Service Office (BARCSO) and such field offices as may be needed in the 
16 
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region that shall administer a professional civil 
17 
service corps. 
18 
7. Coastguard. -the National Government shall have primary responsibility 
19 
over coastguard matters. The Bangsamoro Regional Government shall 
20 
coordinate with and assist the National Government on all coastguard matters. 
21 
8. Customs and tariff. - The Bangsamoro Regional Government shall exercise 
22 
its powers on the regulations and monitoring of the barter trade and 
23 
countertrade in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. 
9 


" 
1 
The Bangsamoro Regional Government shall assist the National Government 
2 
with regard to the enforcement of customs and tariff laws and regulations and 
3 
to ensure the effective exercise of the powers of the Bangsamoro Regional 
4 
Government on barter trade and countertrade with Indonesia, Malaysia or 
5 
Brunei as well as the regulation of the entry of haram goods into the 
6 
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. 
7 
9. Administration of justice. - Subject to the provisions of the 1987 Philippine 
8 
Constitution and national laws, the administration of justice in the Bangsamoro 
9 
Autonomous Region shall be in accordance with the relevant provisions of this 
10 
Basic Law and with due regard to the powers of the Supreme Court and the 
11 
competence of the Bangsamoro Regional Government over Shari'ah courts 
12 
and the Shari'ah justice system in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. The 
13 
supremacy of Shari'ah and its application shall only pertain to Muslims. 
14 
10. Funding for the maintenance of national roads, bridges, and irrigation 
15 
systems. - The National Government shall be responsible for the funding, 
16 
construction and maintenance of national roads, bridges and irrigation systems 
17 
in the Bangsamoro Regional Government and shall include in the national road 
18 
network information system all national roads and bridges in the Bangsamoro 
19 
Autonomous Region. 
20 
The Bangsamoro Regional Government shall submit proposals to the 
21 
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and National Irrigation 
22 
Administration (NIA) for the inclusion of the cost of such maintenance in the 
23 
laUer's budget that shall be submitted to Congress for possible inclusion in the 
24 
General Appropriations Act (GAA). Funding for national roads, bridges, and 
25 
irrigation systems shall be regularly released to the relevant departments of the 
26 
National Government. 
10 


1 
11. Disaster risk reduction and management. - There is hereby created a 
2 
Bangsamoro Autonomous Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management 
3 
Council (BARDRRMC), with powers and functions that shall be defined by the 
4 
Bangsamoro Parliament in a law on disaster preparedness and response. The 
5 
BARDRRMC shall formulate the Bangsamoro Autonomous Regional Disaster 
6 
Risk Reduction and Management Plan, which shall complement and be aligned 
7 
with the national disaster risk reduction and management framework and plan 
8 
of the National Government. Additionally, the BARDRRMC, through its chair, 
9 
the Chief Minister, may recommend to the President the mobilization of 
10 
resources of national defense in times of disasters in the Bangsamoro 
11 
Autonomous Region. 
12 
12. Public order and safety. - The Philippine National Police (PNP) shall have 
13 
primary responsibility over public order and safety within the Bangsamoro 
14 
Autonomous Region. 
15 
13. Non-Mora ancestral domains/ancestral lands of the Non-Mora indigenous 
16 
peoples - The Bangsamoro Regional Government, in coordination with the 
17 
National Government, shall protect the rights and interests of Non-Moro 
18 
indigenous peoples over their ancestral domains/ancestral lands. For this 
19 
purpose, there is hereby created the Ministry for Non-Moro Indigenous 
20 
Peoples, which shall be part of the Bangsamoro Cabinet. The Ministry on Non-
21 
Moro Indigenous Peoples shall have the primary responsibility to formulate and 
22 
implement policies, plans, programs to promote and protect the rights and well-
23 
being of Non-Moro indigenous peoples, and the recognition of their ancestral 
24 
domains/ancestral lands as well as the rights thereto. Towards this end, the 
25 
Ministry shall ensure that the Non-Moro indigenous peoples shall have a 
26 
meaningful participation in all activities pertinent thereto in accordance with 
27 
their own indigenous decision-making institutions. 
11 


1 
The Bangsamoro Regional Government and the National Government shall 
2 
coordinate through existing national laws, such as RA 8371 or the IPRA of 
3 
1997, to create policies for the identification, delineation and titling of ancestral 
4 
domains/ancestral lands. 
5 
14. Islamic banking - The Bangsamoro Regional Government, in coordination 
6 
with Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), the Department of Finance (DO F), 
7 
Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) and the National Commission on 
8 
Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) shall jointly promote the development of the Islamic 
9 
banking system, to include among others the establishment of a Shari'ah 
10 
supervisory board; 
11 
15. Health -
The National Government and the Bangsamoro Regional 
12 
Government shall coordinate with and assist each other in the prevention and 
13 
control of all diseases including communicable, non-communicable, endemic, 
14 
epidemic and emerging diseases; 
15 
16. Science and technology; 
16 
17. Research councils and scholarships; 
17 
18. Libraries, museums, historical, cultural and archaeological sites. - The 
18 
Bangsamoro Regional Government shall have the power to establish its own 
19 
libraries and museums, and declare historical and cultural sites. With regard to 
20 
archaeological sites, the Bangsamoro Regional Government shall coordinate 
21 
with relevant agencies of the National Government on the regulation, 
22 
excavation, preservation, and exportation of cultural properties, as well as on 
23 
the recovery of lost historical and cultural artifacts; 
12 


" 
1 
19. Cadastral land survey. -
The Bangsamoro Regional Government shall 
2 
have the authority to conduct cadastral surveys, lot surveys, and isolated and 
3 
special surveys in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. The Bangsamoro 
4 
Regional Government shall furnish the results of these surveys to, and 
5 
coordinate with, relevant National Government agencies to effect inclusion into 
6 
national cadastral survey; 
7 
20. Environment, parks, forest management, wildlife, nature reserves and 
8 
conservation. -
The Bangsamoro Regional Government shall have the 
9 
authority to protect and manage the environment. It shall have the power to 
10 
declare nature reserves 
and 
aquatic parks, 
forests, 
and 
watershed 
11 
reservations, and other protected areas in the Bangsamoro Autonomous 
12 
Region; 
13 
21. Special development programs and laws for women, the youth, the elderly, 
14 
labor, the differently-abled, and indigenous cultural communities; 
15 
SEC. 21. Exclusive or Devolved Powers. - Within its geographical area and subject 
16 
to the provisions of the 1987 Philippine Constitution and national laws, exclusive 
17 
powers are powers devolved to the Bangsamoro Regional Government, without 
18 
prejudice to the general supervision of the President. The Bangsamoro Regional 
19 
Government shall exercise these powers over the following matters within the 
20 
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region: 
21 
1. agriculture, livestock and food security; 
22 
2. economic and cultural exchange; 
23 
3. trade, industry, investment, enterprises and regulation of businesses taking 
24 
into consideration relevant laws; 
25 
4. labor, employment, and occupation; 
13 


1 
5. The Bangsamoro Regional Government shall register business names in the 
2 
National Registration of Business Names: Provided, That the Bangsamoro 
3 
Regional Government shall ensure that the proposed name is not identical to 
4 
those already registered by aforementioned agencies and that the name is 
5 
not deceptively or confusingly similar to that of any existing or to any name 
6 
already protected by law or that the same is not patently deceptive, confusing 
7 
or contrary to existing law; 
8 
6. barter trade and countertrade with Indonesia, Malaysia or Brunei, subject to 
9 
existing laws; 
10 
7. economic zones and industrial centers; 
11 
8. tourism; 
12 
9. creation of sources of revenue; 
13 
10. budgeting; 
14 
11. The Bangsamoro Regional Government shall have authority to regulate 
15 
power generation, the island-grid, and distribution operating exclusively in the 
16 
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region and not connected to the national 
17 
transmission grid: Provided, That any connection to the national grid shall 
18 
subject the power generation, island-grid and distribution to national laws and 
19 
regulations: Provided, Further, that the currently existing Agus Hydro Power 
20 
Complex remain to be regulated by the National Government: Provided, 
21 
Finally, that the Bangsamoro Regional Government, in the exercise of its 
22 
jurisdiction, may not in any way, impair the operations and productions of the 
23 
existing Agus Hydro Power Complex and/or any power generation utilities 
24 
that may hereafter be established. 
25 
12. Public utilities operations in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region - In case of 
26 
inter-regional utilities, the Bangsamoro Regional Government shall coordinate 
27 
with and assist relevant government agencies; public utilities operating solely 
28 
within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region shall be subject to the regulatory 
14 


1 
authority of the Bangsomoro Regional Government; on the other hand, public 
2 
utilities national in scope shall be subject to the national laws. 
3 
13. receive grants and donations; 
4 
14. education and skills training; 
5 
15. culture and language; 
6 
16. sports and recreation; 
7 
17. Regulation of games and amusement operations within the Bangsamoro 
8 
Autonomous Region excluding prohibited games of chance; 
9 
18. regulations on manufacture and distribution of foods, drinks, drugs and 
10 
tobacco for the welfare of the inhabitants in the Bangsamoro Autonomous 
11 
Region; 
12 
19. hajj and umrah. - The Bangsamoro Regional Government shall have primary 
13 
jurisdiction over hajj and umrah matters affecting pilgrims from within the 
14 
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. The National Government shall have 
15 
competence over hajj and umrah matters affecting pilgrims coming from 
16 
outside the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. There is hereby created a 
17 
Bangsamoro Pilgrimage Authority that shall act in close coordination with 
18 
National Government on hajj and umrah matters involving offices and 
19 
agencies outside the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region; 
20 
20. customary laws; 
21 
21. declaration of Bangsamoro holidays; 
22 
22. ancestral domain and natural resources; 
23 
23. expropriation and eminent domain, without prejudice to the right of 
24 
expropriation and eminent domain granted by Congress under any national 
25 
franchise; 
26 
24. inland waterways for navigation; 
27 
25. management, regulation and conservation of all fishery, marine and aquatic 
28 
resources within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region; The powers, 
29 
functions, rights and privileges already enjoyed by the municipalities over 
15 


1 
their municipal waters as provided under RA No. 7160 also known as the 
2 
Local Government Code of 1991, and RA No. 8550, otherwise known as the 
3 
Philippine Fisheries Code of the Philippines shall not, in any manner, be 
4 
prejudiced nor diminished; 
5 
26. Bangsamoro settlements; 
6 
27. customary justice; 
7 
28. Shari'ah courts and Shari'ah justice system, subject to the administrative 
8 
supervision of the Supreme Court; 
9 
29. public administration and bureaucracy for the Bangsamoro Regional 
10 
Government; 
11 
30. social services, social welfare and charities; 
12 
31. waste management; 
13 
32. establishment and supervision of humanitarian services and institutions; 
14 
33. identification, generation and mobilization of international human resources 
15 
for capacity-building and other activities involving the same within the 
16 
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. The Bangsamoro Regional Government 
17 
shall cooperate with and assist the National Government towards ensuring 
18 
access to such relevant human resources; 
19 
34. establishment of awqaf (endowment) and charitable trusts; 
20 
35. hisbah office for accountability as part of the Shari'ah justice system; 
21 
36. housing and human settlements; 
22 
37. development planning; 
23 
38. urban and rural development; 
24 
39. public works and highways within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region; 
25 
40. establishment of appropriate mechanisms for consultations for women and 
26 
marginalized sectors; 
27 
41. local administration, municipal corporations and other local authorities 
28 
including the creation of local governments. - The Bangsamoro Regional 
16 


1 
Government shall manage and build its own bureaucracy and administrative 
2 
organization, in accordance with the Parliamentary form of government; 
3 
The Bangsamoro 
Parliament may 
create, 
divide, 
merge, 
abolish 
or 
4 
substantially alter boundaries of barangays in accordance with a law enacted 
5 
by the Bangsamoro Parliament, and subject to the approval by a majority of the 
6 
votes cast in a plebiscite in the political units directly affected. 
7 
42. establishment or creation of other institutions, policies and laws for the 
8 
general welfare of the inhabitants in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region 
9 
SEC. 22. Other Exclusive Powers. The following powers and competencies 
10 
previously granted to the ARMM under RA 6734, as amended by RA 9054, are 
11 
hereby transferred to the Bangsamoro Regional Government as part of its exclusive 
12 
powers: 
13 
a. Subject to the provisions of the 1987 Philippine Constitution and existing 
14 
laws, to regulate and exercise authority over foreign investments within its 
15 
geographical area. The National Government shall intervene on matters 
16 
involving national security and public safety; 
17 
b. To proclaim a state of calamity over its geographical area or parts thereof 
18 
whenever typhoons, flash floods, earthquakes, tsunamis, or other natural and 
19 
man-made calamities cause widespread damage or destruction to life or 
20 
property in the region. The state of calamity proclaimed by the Chief Minister 
21 
shall only be for the purpose of maximizing the efforts to rescue imperiled 
22 
persons and property and the expeditious rehabilitation of the damaged area; 
23 
c. The Bangsamoro Parliament shall have the following powers: 
17 


1 
1. To enact legislation on the rights of the people of the Bangsamoro 
2 
Autonomous Region to initiate measures for the passage, amendment or 
3 
repeal of regional or local legislation; to be consulted on matters that 
4 
affect their environment; to call for a referendum on important issues 
5 
affecting their lives; and, to recall regional or local officials; 
6 
2. To conduct inquiries or public consultations in aid of legislation in 
7 
accordance with its rules. In connection therewith, it shall have the power 
8 
to issue subpoena or subpoena duces tecum to compel the attendance of 
9 
witnesses and the production of papers, documents, or things by 
10 
witnesses or persons under investigation by the Parliament, itself, or by 
11 
any of its committees. It shall also have the right to cite witnesses or 
12 
persons under investigation for contempt for refusal to testify before it or 
13 
before any of its committees or to produce papers, documents or things 
14 
required by the Parliament or any of its committees. The rights of persons 
15 
appearing in or affected by such inquiries shall be respected; 
16 
3. To enact a law that shall regulate the grant of franchises and 
17 
concessions, and empower the Chief Minister to grant leases, permits, 
18 
and licenses over agricultural lands and for forest management, subject to 
19 
the provisions of the 1987 Philippine Constitution and national laws. 
20 
d. To create pioneering firms and other business entities needed to boost 
21 
economic development in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region; 
22 
e. To establish and operate pioneering public utilities in the interest of regional 
23 
welfare and security. 
18 


1 
f. 
To support and encourage the building up of entrepreneurial capability in the. 
2 
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region and to recognize, promote, and protect 
3 
cooperatives; 
4 
g. Subject to the provisions of the 1987 Philippine Constitution and national 
5 
laws, to supervise and regulate private schools in the Bangsamoro 
6 
Autonomous Region and allow the participation of three (3) representatives 
7 
of private schools in the deliberations of the appropriate Bangsamoro 
8 
Regional Government's ministry or office on matters dealing with private 
9 
schools; 
10 
h. To be represented in the board of the State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) 
11 
in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region by the chair of the appropriate 
12 
committee of the Bangsamoro Parliament, either as co-chair or co-vice chair. 
13 
The SUCs within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region shall be considered 
14 
part of the Bangsamoro educational system. 
This notWithstanding, these 
15 
SUCs shall enjoy academic freedom and fiscal autonomy and shall continue 
16 
to be governed by their respective charters; 
17 
i. 
To supervise, through the appropriate ministry, the accredited madaris in the 
18 
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region; 
19 
j. 
To conduct periodic competitive qualifying examinations of madaris teachers 
20 
for permanent appointments to the Bangsamoro education system; 
21 
k. To adopt measures to protect and promote the rights of people's 
22 
organizations and other collective organizations; 
23 
I. 
To adopt measures for the protection and empowerment of the youth in the 
24 
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region and the promotion of their welfare, and to 
19 


1 
create the appropriate office and other mechanisms for the implementation of 
2 
such measures; 
3 
m. To enforce the policy against the appointment or designation of any member 
4 
of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in the active service to a civilian 
5 
position in the Bangsamoro Regional Government, inciuding government-
6 
owned and/or -controlled corporations, or in any of their subsidiaries or 
7 
instrumentalities within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. 
8 
ARTICLE VI 
9 
NATIONAL GOVERNMENT AND 
10 
BANGSAMORO REGIONAL GOVERNMENT RELATIONS 
11 
SEC. 23. Asymmetric Relationship. -
The relationship between the National 
12 
Government and the Bangsamoro Regional Government shall be asymmetric. 
13 
This is a recognition of the Bangsamoro diverse culture and identity, and their 
14 
aspiration for self-governance that makes it distinct from other regions and other local 
15 
government units. 
16 
The asymmetric relationship refers to the relationship between the National 
17 
Government and the Bangsamoro Regional Government as an Autonomous Region, 
18 
as provided under Sec. 15, Article X of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, where the 
19 
autonomous regions are granted more powers, and with less intervention from the 
20 
National Government as compared to other territorial and political subdivisions. 
21 
SEC. 24. 
Parity Of Esteem. 
- The National Government and the Bangsamoro 
22 
Regional Government shall be guided by the principles of accepted norms of good 
23 
governance and parity of esteem. In exercising its sovereignty, the National 
20 


1 
Government shall give due consideration to the distinctive historical and cultural 
2 
heritage, economic and social structures of all the inhabitants in the Bangsamoro 
3 
Autonomous Region. 
4 
The Bangsamoro Regional Government shall respect the exercise of the concurrent 
5 
and reserved powers by the National Government. 
6 
The National Government's powers shall respect the exercise, with rigorous 
7 
impartiality, of the exclusive and devolved powers of the Bangsamoro Regional 
8 
Government. 
9 
SEC. 
25. 
General Supervision. -- Consistent with the provisions of the 1987 
10 
Philippine Constitution, principle of autonomy and the asymmetric relation of the 
11 
National Government and the Bangsamoro Regional Government, the President 
12 
shall exercise general supervision over the Bangsamoro Regional Government to 
13 
ensure that laws are faithfully executed. 
14 
SEC. 26. National Government And Bangsamoro Regional Governments Relations 
15 
Mechanism. - The National Government and the Bangsamoro Regional Government 
16 
shall establish a mechanism at the highest levels that shall coordinate and harmonize 
17 
their relationships. For this purpose, a primary mechanism shall be a National 
18 
Government - Bangsamoro Regional Government intergovernmental relations body 
19 
to resolve issues on intergovernmental relations. All disputes and issues relating to 
20 
these intergovernmental relations shall be resolved through regular consultations in a 
21 
non-adversarial manner. 
22 
The intergovernmental relations body shall exhaust all means to resolve ali issues 
23 
brought before it. Unresolved issues shall be elevated to the President, through the 
21 


1 
Chief Minister. The President's decision on any unresolved issue shall be final and 
2 
executory. 
3 
The National Government shall appoint a head to represent the National 
4 
Government. The Bangsamoro Regional Government shall have a minister who shall 
5 
sit in this body, representing the Bangsamoro Regional Government. The body shall 
6 
be supported by a joint secretariat. 
7 
SEC. 27. 
Council Of Leaders. - The Bangsamoro Council of Leaders shall consist 
8 
of the Chief Minister, Provincial Governors, Mayors of chartered cities within the 
9 
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, 
and 
representatives from the Non-Moro 
10 
indigenous communities, women, settler communities, sultanates and other sectors. 
11 
The Bangsamora Council of Leaders shall be chaired by the Chief Minister. The 
12 
Council shall advise the Chief Minister on matters of governance in the Bangsamoro 
13 
Autonomous Region. The representation of the Non-Mora indigenous communities 
14 
shall be pursuant to their customary laws and indigenous processes. 
15 
SEC. 
28. 
Principles Of Devolution, Subsidiarity And Solidarity. - The National 
16 
Government and the Bangsamoro Regional Government accept the concept of 
17 
devolution as inspired by the principles of subsidiarity and solidarity. Decisions are to 
18 
be made at the appropriate level to ensure public accountability and transparency, 
19 
and in consideration of good governance and the general welfare. 
20 
SEC. 
29. 
Bangsamoro Regional Government And Its Constituent Local 
21 
Government Units. - The provinces, cities, municipalities and barangays within its 
22 
geographical area shall be the constituent units of the Bangsamoro Autonomous 
23 
Region. The powers, privileges and functions already exercised and enjoyed by the 
24 
local government units under existing laws shall not in any way be diminished. 
22 


1 
SEC. 
30. 
Bangsamoro Participation In National Government. -
As far as 
2 
practicable, the National Government 
may appoint competent and qualified 
3 
inhabitants of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in the following offices in the 
4 
National Government: at least one (1) cabinet secretary; at least one (1) in each of 
5 
the other departments, offices and bureaus, holding executive, primarily confidential, 
6 
highly technical, policy-determining positions. 
7 
SEC. 
31. 
Assistance To Other Bangsamoro Communities. -
The National 
8 
Government shall ensure the protection of the rights of the Bangsamoro residing 
9 
outside the geographical area of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region and 
10 
undertake programs for the rehabilitation and development of their communities. 
11 
ARTICLE VII 
12 
THE BANGSAMORO REGIONAL GOVERNMENT 
13 
SEC. 32. 
Powers Of The Bangsamoro Regional Government. - The powers of the 
14 
Bangsamoro Regional Government shall be vested in the Bangsamoro Parliament, 
15 
which shall exercise those powers and functions expressly granted to it in this Basic 
16 
Law, and those necessary or incidental to the proper governance and development 
17 
of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. It shall set policies, legislate on matters 
18 
within its authority, and elect a Chief Minister, who shall exercise executive authority 
19 
in its behalf. 
20 
SEC. 33. Legislative Authority. - Within its geographical area and subject to the 
21 
provisions of the Philippine Constitution, the Bangsamoro Parliament shall have the 
22 
authority to enact laws on mailers that are within the powers and competencies of 
23 
the Bangsamoro Regional Government. 
23 


1 
SEC. 
34. 
Executive Authority. - The executive function and authority shall be 
2 
exercised by the cabinet, which shall be headed by a Chief Minister. The Chief 
3 
Minister who heads the Parliamentary government of the Bangsamoro Regional 
4 
Government shall be elected by a majority vote of the Members of the Parliament. 
5 
The Chief Minister shall appoint the Deputy Chief Minister from among the members 
6 
of Parliament, and the members of the cabinet, majority of whom shall also come 
7 
from the Parliament. 
8 
BANGSAMORO PARLIAMENT 
9 
SEC. 35. Composition. - The Parliament shall be composed of at least sixty (60) 
10 
members, unless otherwise provided by the Parliament, who are representatives of 
11 
political parties elected through a system of proportional representation, those 
12 
elected from single member districts and to reserved seats to represent key sectors 
13 
including women, indigenous people, labor sector, youth, sultanates in the 
14 
Bangsamoro Regional Government, except as otherwise provided under this Article. 
15 
SEC. 36. Classification And Allocation Of Seats. - The seats in the Bangsamoro 
16 
Parliament shall be classified and allocated as follows: 
17 
1. District seats. - Forty (40) members of Parliament shall be elected from 
18 
Parliamentary districts apportioned for the areas; 
19 
The district representatives shall be elected through direct, plurality vote 
20 
by the registered voters in the Parliamentary districts. 
21 
2. Party representatives. -
Eight (8) members of Parliament shall be 
22 
representatives of political parties who win seats through a system of 
24 


1 
proportional representation based on the whole Bangsamoro geographical 
2 
area. Parties shall submit their respective list of approved candidates prior 
3 
to the election. 
4 
3. Reserved seats; sectoral representatives. - Sectoral representatives shall 
5 
include at least two (2) reserved seats each for Non-Moro indigenous 
6 
communities and settler communities. 
Women, youth, sultanates, and 
7 
representative from labor sector shall also have a reserved seat. 
8 
The Bangsamoro Parliament shall determine the manner of election of sectoral and 
9 
other representation in the Parliament. 
10 
11 
SEC. 
37. 
Election For Reserved Seats For Non-Mora Indigenous Peoples. -
12 
Notwithstanding the immediately preceding section, reserved seats for the Non-Mora 
13 
Indigenous Peoples, such as, Teduray, Lambangian, Dulangan Manobo, B'laan and 
14 
Higaonon, shall be pursuant to their customary laws and indigenous processes 
15 
based on the following: 
16 
17 
18 
19 
20 
21 
22 
23 
24 
25 
a. 
b. 
c. 
d. 
e. 
primacy of customary laws and practices; 
primacy of consensus building; 
acceptability of the community; 
inclusivity and full participation; 
representation of the collective interests and aspirations of Non-Moro 
indigenous peoples; 
f. 
sustainability and strengthening of indigenous political structures; 
g. 
track record and capability; and 
h. 
gender equity. 
The two reserved seats shall have the same rights and privileges as that of the 
25 


1 
regular Members of the Parliament. In the same manner, the Bangsamoro Regional 
2 
Government shall provide at least one (1) mandatory representation in all policy 
3 
making bodies and in local legislative councils. 
4 
SEC. 38. 
Regional Parties. - A free and open regional party system shall be 
5 
allowed to evolve according to the free choice of the people. Towards this end, only 
6 
regional political parties duly accredited by the Bangsamoro Autonomous Regional 
7 
Electoral Office (BAREO) may participate in the Parliamentary elections in the 
8 
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. 
9 
SEC. 39. 
Bangsamoro Autonomous Regional Electoral Office (BAREO) - There is 
10 
hereby created a Bangsamoro Autonomous Regional Electoral Office (BAREO) 
11 
which shall be a part of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), and which shall 
12 
be under the control and supervision of COMELEC. 
13 
The BAREO shall be headed by the Regional Election Director and assisted by the 
14 
Assistant Regional Director and such other subordinate officers or employees as the 
15 
Commission may appoint. 
16 
The Commission may delegate its powers and functions or order the implementation 
17 
or enforcement of its orders, rulings, or decisions through the heads of its field 
18 
offices. 
19 
SEC. 40. 
Budget For The BAREO. - The budget for the BAREO shall be included 
20 
in the appropriations of the COMELEC. 
21 
SEC. 41. 
Term Of Office. - The term of office of members of Parliament shall be 
22 
three (3) years. No member shall serve for more than three (3) consecutive terms. 
26 


1 
SEC. 42. Qualifications.· No person shall be a member of Parliament unless he or 
2 
she is a natural·born citizen of the Philippines, at least twenty-five (25) years of age 
3 
on the day of the election, able to read and write, a registered voter in the 
4 
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, and a resident thereof for a period of not less than 
5 
three years immediately preceding 
the 
day 
of the election. 
For district 
6 
representatives, he or she must be a registered voter of the district in which he or she 
7 
is a candidate on the day he or she files his or her certificate of candidacy, and has 
8 
resided in said district for at least three (3) years immediately preceding the day of 
9 
the election. 
10 
SEC. 43. 
Salaries Of Parliament Members. - A member of the Parliament shall 
11 
receive a minimum monthly compensation corresponding to Salary Grade twenty-
12 
seven (27) as prescribed under RA No. 6758 or the Salary Standardization Law and 
13 
the implementing guidelines issued pursuant thereto. No increase in said 
14 
compensation shall take effect until after the expiration of the full term of all the 
15 
members of the Bangsamoro Parliament approving such increase. 
16 
SEC. 44. 
Disclosure. - Members of the Bangsamoro Parliament shall, upon their 
17 
assumption to office, make full disclosure of their financial and business interests, 
18 
including those of their spouses and children. They shall notify the Bangsamoro 
19 
Parliament of any potential conflict of interest that may arise from the filing of bills or 
20 
resolutions of which they are authors. 
21 
22 
Any member found guilty of non-disclosure of financial and business interest as 
23 
required under this Section may be subject to disciplinary action by the Bangsamoro 
24 
Parliament in accordance with its rules and without prejudice to his/her other 
25 
liabilities under the existing laws. 
27 


1 
SEC. 45. 
Prohibition Against Conflict Of Interest. - The Chief Minister, Deputy 
2 
Chief Minister and all the members of the Bangsamoro Parliament, during their term, 
3 
shall not engage, directly or indirectly, in any business or commercial enterprise 
4 
where there may be a conflict of interest in the exercise of the functions of their 
5 
respective offices. 
6 
SEC. 46. 
Forfeiture Of Seat. - A member of Parliament shall forfeit his or her seat 
7 
-if: 
8 
a. He/she resigns voluntarily in the form of either a written or oral declaration in 
9 
the Parliament; 
10 
b. He/she is convicted of a grave offense as stipulated in the house rules that the 
11 
Bangsamoro Parliament will promulgate pursuant to Art VII Sec. 48 of this 
12 
Basic Law, or treason, high crimes, heinous crimes, crimes against morality or 
13 
other crimes punishable by more than six (6) years; 
14 
c. He/she becomes permanently physically or mentally incapaCitated and is 
15 
unable to discharge his/her duties as member of Parliament or dies while in 
16 
office; 
17 
d. He/she, having been elected under the proportional representation system, is 
18 
replaced by the party to which he/she belongs with another member of said 
19 
party; and 
20 
e. He/she, having been elected under the proportional representation system, 
21 
transfers to another party during his/her incumbency as member of Parliament; 
28 


1 
SEC. 
47. 
Filling Of Vacancy. -
In case of a vacancy of a proportional 
2 
representation seat, the party to which that seat belongs shall fill the vacancy. 
3 
In case of a vacancy in the seat occupied by an unaffiliated member of Parliament, a 
4 
special election may be called to fill such vacancy in the manner prescribed by law 
5 
enacted by Parliament. 
6 
The appointee or elected member of Parliament, as the case may be, shall serve the 
7 
unexpired term of the vacated office. 
8 
SEC. 48. 
Privileges And Immunities. - No member of the Bangsamoro Parliament 
9 
may be arrested while the Bangsamoro Parliament is in session, except for crimes 
10 
punishable by more than six (6) years of imprisonment. The members of the 
11 
Bangsamoro Parliament may not be questioned in any other place or held liable for 
12 
any speech or debate delivered in the Bangsamoro Parliament sessions or meetings 
13 
of its committees. 
14 
SEC. 
49. 
Sessions Of The Bangsamoro Parliament. -
The Bangsamoro 
15 
Parliament shall conduct its regular session once every year starting on the 15th of 
16 
June up to thirty (30) days before the opening of its next regular session. A special or 
17 
emergency session may be called by the Speaker, upon the request of the Chief 
18 
Minister or by a majority of the members of the Bangsamoro Parliament. 
19 
SEC. 50. Officers Of The Bangsamoro Parliament. - On the first session following 
20 
their election, the members of the Bangsamoro Parliament shall, in open session, 
21 
elect by a simple majority vote from all its members the Speaker, a Deputy Speaker, 
22 
and the other officers of the Bangsamoro Parliament as the house rules of the 
23 
Bangsamoro Parliament may provide. 
29 


1 
In case of death, removal, resignation, or permanent disability or legal incapacity of 
2 
the speaker, the deputy speaker shall act as speaker until a new speaker shall have 
3 
been elected by the Bangsamoro Parliament. 
4 
SEC. 51. Presiding Officer. - The speaker, deputy speaker, or any other person 
5 
presiding over the Bangsamoro Parliament shall: 
6 
a. be independent; 
7 
b. serve to secure the honor and dignity of the Bangsamoro Parliament; 
8 
c. be responsible for ensuring - (i) the rights and privileges of all members; and 
9 
(ii) public access to the proceeding of the Bangsamoro Parliament and its 
10 
committees; 
11 
d. have the authority and moral ascendancy to maintain order and decorum in the 
12 
Bangsamoro Parliament, in accordance with its house rules; and 
13 
e. act impartially, and without fear, favor and prejudice. 
14 
SEC. 52. Rules Of Procedure. - The Bangsamoro Parliament shall adopt its house 
15 
rules for the conduct of its business. 
16 
SEC. 53. Proceedings. -
A majority of all the members of the Bangsamoro 
17 
Parliament shall constitute a quorum to do business. The legislative proceedings in 
18 
the Bangsamoro Parliament shall be recorded in its original form and translated in 
19 
the Filipino, Arabic and English languages. Unless otherwise provided by law or the 
20 
house rules of the Bangsamoro Parliament, the members of the Bangsamoro 
21 
Parliament may use any of the commonly understandable native dialect during 
22 
legislative deliberations. 
30 


1 
SEC. 54. 
General Welfare. - The Bangsamoro Parliament shall pass laws that 
2 
promote the general welfare of the inhabitants in the Bangsamoro Autonomous 
3 
Region. 
4 
SEC. 55. Appropriations. - No public money shall be spent without an appropriations 
5 
Act clearly defining the purpose for which it is intended. The Bangsamoro Parliament 
6 
shall pass an Annual Appropriations Law. 
7 
SEC. 56. 
Budget. -
The form, content, and manner of preparation of the 
8 
Bangsamoro Regional Government budget shall be prescribed by law enacted by the 
9 
Bangsamoro Parliament. Pending the enactment of such law, the budgeting process 
10 
shall be governed by existing laws, rules, and regulations on budget. 
11 
SEC. 57. 
Reenacted Budget. - If, by the end of a fiscal year, the Bangsamoro 
12 
Parliament shall have failed to pass the Bangsamoro Regional Government 
13 
appropriations bill for the ensuing fiscal year, the Bangsamoro Appropriations Act for 
14 
the preceding year shall be deemed automatically reenacted and shall remain in 
15 
force and effect until a new Bangsamoro Appropriations Law is enacted by 
16 
Parliament. 
17 
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS 
18 
SEC. 58. Qualifications Of The Chief Minister. - No person shall be elected as the 
19 
Chief Minister unless helshe is a natural born citizen of the Philippines, is at least 
20 
twenty-five (25) years of age at the time of the election, a bona fide resident of the 
21 
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region for three (3) years immediately preceding the day 
22 
of the elections, registered voter, able to read and write and with proven competence 
23 
and probity, mentally fit, and known for his/her integrity and high moral standards. 
31 


1 
SEC. 59. Election Of The Chief Minister. -
On the inaugural session of the 
2 
Bangsamoro Parliament following their elections, the Members of the Parliament 
3 
shall, in open session, elect the Chief Minister by a majority vote of all its members. 
4 
If no member of Bangsamoro Parliament obtains the majority vote necessary to be 
5 
elected Chief Minister in the first round of voting, a runoff election shall be conducted. 
6 
In such case, the members of Bangsamoro Parliament shall elect the Chief Minister 
7 
from the two (2) candidates who obtained the highest number of votes cast in the first 
8 
round. There shall be no abstentions allowed in the runoff election. 
9 
SEC. 60. Powers, Duties And Functions Of The Chief Minister. - Unless otherwise 
10 
provided by law, the Chief Minister shall exercise the following powers, duties and 
11 
functions: 
12 
a. head the Bangsamoro Regional Government; 
13 
b. appoint heads of ministries, agencies, bureaus, offices of the Bangsamoro 
14 
Regional Government; 
15 
c. appoint other officers in the Bangsamoro Regional Government, as may be 
16 
provided by the Parliament; 
17 
d. formulate platform of government subject to approval by the Parliament; 
18 
e. issue executive orders and other policies of the Bangsamoro Regional 
19 
Government; 
20 
f. 
represent the government of the Bangsamoro in affairs outside the 
21 
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region; and 
32 


1 
g. exercise such other powers and functions inherent to the position. 
2 
SEC. 
61. 
Administration of Oath Of The Chief Minister. The President of the 
3 
Republic of the Philippines shall administer the oath of office of all the members of 
4 
Parliament, including the Chief Minister upon his/her election. 
5 
SEC. 
62. 
Ex-officio Membership. -
The Chief Minister shall be an ex-officio 
6 
member of the National Security Council (NSC) and National Economic and 
7 
Development Authority Board (NEDA), on matters concerning the Bangsamoro 
8 
Autonomous Region. 
9 
SEC. 
63. 
The Deputy Chief Minister. - The Deputy Chief Minister shall be 
10 
appointed by the Chief Minister from among the Members of the Parliament and may 
11 
hold a cabinet position. 
12 
In case of death permanent disability, removal, resignation or incapacity of the Chief 
13 
Minister, the Deputy Chief Minister shall temporarily act as the Chief Minister until the 
14 
Parliament shall have elected a new Chief Minister. Said election shall be held within 
15 
thirty (30) days from the occurrence of the vacancy. 
16 
SEC. 64. 
Election Of A New Chief Minister - Upon a two-thirds (2/3) vote of no 
17 
confidence of all members of Parliament against the government of the day, the 
18 
pOSition of Chief Minister shall be considered vacant, and the members of the 
19 
Parliament shall elect a new Chief Minister by a majority vote of all its members, in 
20 
accordance with the procedure in Sec. 58. 
21 
The incumbent members of the Cabinet shall continue to conduct the affairs of the 
22 
Bangsamoro Regional Government until a new Chief Minister is elected and has 
23 
qualified, and has appointed members of the cabinet. 
33 


1 
ARTICLE VIII 
2 
BASIC RIGHTS 
3 
SEC. 65. Basic Rights In The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. - In addition to the 
4 
basic rights already enjoyed by the inhabitants residing in the Bangsamoro 
5 
Autonomous Region, the Bangsamoro Regional Government shall guarantee the 
6 
following enforceable rights: 
7 
a. right to life and to inviolability of one's person and dignity; 
8 
b. right to freedom and expression of religion and beliefs; 
9 
c. right to privacy; 
10 
d. right to freedom of speech; 
11 
e. right to express political opinion and pursue democratically political 
12 
aspirations; 
13 
f. 
right to seek constitutional change by peaceful and legitimate means; 
14 
g. right of women to meaningful political participation and protection from all 
15 
forms of violence; 
16 
h. right to freely choose one's place of residence and the inviolability of the 
17 
home; 
18 
i. 
right to equal opportunity and non-discrimination in social and economic 
19 
20 
activity and the public service, regardless of class, creed, disability, gender 
and ethnicity; 
21 
j. 
right to establish cultural and religious associations; 
22 
k. right to freedom from religious, ethnic and sectarian harassment; 
23 
I. 
right to redress of grievances and due process of law; and 
24 
m. right to free public education in the elementary and high 'schoollevels; 
25 
The Bangsamoro Parliament may pass laws for the promotion and protection of the 
26 
above-enumerated rights. 
34 


1 
SEC. 66. 
Human Rights. - All laws and policies, including customary laws, shall 
2 
conform to international human rights and humanitarian standards. The rights under 
3 
the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), the 
4 
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), Convention on the 
5 
Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and other 
6 
international human rights instruments shall be guaranteed by the Bangsamoro 
7 
Regional Government. 
8 
SEC. 67. Vested Property Rights. - Titles secured under the torrens system, and 
9 
rights already vested under the provisions of existing laws shall be respected. 
10 
With respect to legitimate grievances of the inhabitants in the Bangsamoro 
11 
Autonomous Region arising from any unjust dispossession of their territorial and 
12 
proprietary rights, customary land tenure or their marginalization shall be 
13 
acknowledged. The National Government and Bangsamoro Regional Government 
14 
shall take effective measures for adequate reparation of the loss in such quality, 
15 
quantity and status collectively beneficial to the inhabitants in the Bangsamoro 
16 
Autonomous Region, and to be determined pursuant to the 1987 Philippine 
17 
Constitution and existing laws. 
18 
SEC. 68. 
Transitional Justice. - The National Government with the Bangsamoro 
19 
Regional Government shall create a transitional justice mechanism to address the 
20 
legitimate grievances of the inhabitants in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, 
21 
such as historical injustices, human rights violations, marginalization through unjust 
22 
dispossession of their territorial, sacred places and proprietary rights and customary 
23 
land tenure. 
35 


1 
SEC. 69. 
Indigenous People's Rights. - The Bangsamoro Regional Government 
2 
recognizes the rights of the indigenous peoples and other Non-Moro inhabitants and 
3 
shall adopt measures for the promotion and protection of their rights, respect for 
4 
their cultural identity, the right to basic services, the right to internal self-
5 
determination, the right to their native titles and/or fusaka inged, indigenous customs 
6 
and traditions, justice systems and indigenous political structures, the right to an 
7 
equitable share in revenues from the utilization of resources in their ancestral lands, 
8 
the right to free and prior informed consent. They shall have the right to political 
9 
participation in the Bangsamoro Regional Government including reserved seats for 
10 
the indigenous peoples in the Bangsamoro Parliament. 
11 
SEC. 70. Sultanate's Rights - The Bangsamoro Regional Government recognizes 
12 
the rights of sultanates, especially in areas where sultans are accredited and 
13 
recognized by their Tarib, Igma and Customary laws. It shall adopt measures for the 
14 
promotion and protection of the sultanates' rights, including their right to their 
15 
traditional native title of sultanship, their right to political participation in the 
16 
Bangsamoro Regional Government, including reserved seats in the Parliament. 
17 
SEC. 71. Customary Rights And Traditions. - The customs, beliefs and traditions of 
18 
the people in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region are hereby recognized, protected 
19 
and guaranteed. 
20 
The Bangsamoro Parliament shall adopt measures to ensure mutual respect and 
21 
protection of the distinct beliefs, customs and traditions of the inhabitants in the 
22 
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. 
23 
No person in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region shall be subjected to any form of 
24 
discrimination on account of creed, religion, ethnic origin, parentage, or sex. 
36 


1 
SEC. 72. Bangsamoro Autonomous Regional Human Rights Office (BARHRO) -
2 
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) shall create a Bangsamoro Autonomous 
3 
Regional Human Rights Office under the direct control and supervision of the 
4 
Commission. 
5 
The BARHRO shall be independent and impartial to ensure the promotion and 
6 
protection of human rights In the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. In the 
7 
performance of its mandate, the BARHRO shall have the powers to compel 
8 
attendance of witnesses and the production of evidence. 
9 
The BARHRO shall submit a report on its activities and performance at least once a 
10 
year to the Bangsamoro Parliament. Other state instrumentalities in the Bangsamoro 
11 
Autonomous Region shall assist the BARHRO and ensure its independence, 
12 
impartiality, dignity and effectiveness. The BARHRO shall have a coordinative and 
13 
complementary relationship with the CHR in carrying out its mandate. 
14 
Details pertaining to the establishment of the BARHRO, such as membership, terms 
15 
of office, and competencies and responsibilities, shall be provided by the 
16 
Bangsamoro Parliament consistent with the provisions of this Basic Law. 
17 
SOCIAL JUSTICE 
18 
SEC. 73. Delivery of Basic Services. - The Bangsamoro Regional Government shall 
19 
provide, maintain, and ensure the delivery of, among other things, basic and 
20 
responsive health programs, quality education, appropriate services, livelihood 
21 
opportunities, affordable and progressive housing projects, and water resource 
22 
development to the inhabitants in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. It shall 
23 
maintain appropriate disaster-preparedness units for immediate and effective relief 
37 


1 
services to victims of natural and man-made calamities. It shall also ensure the 
2 
rehabilitation of calamity areas and victims of calamities. 
3 
SEC. 74. 
Rights of Labor. - Pursuant to the provisions of the 
1987 Philippine 
4 
Constitution, the Bangsamoro Regional Government shall guarantee all fundamental 
5 
rights of all workers to self-organization, collective bargaining and negotiations, and 
6 
peaceful concerted activities, including the right to strike. In this regard, the right of 
7 
workers, whether publicly or privately employed, to form unions, associations or 
8 
federations for purposes not contrary to law shall not be abridged. 
9 
The workers shall participate in policy and decision-making processes affecting their 
10 
rights and benefits. 
11 
The right of workers to security of tenure, humane conditions of work, and a living 
12 
wage shall be guaranteed. 
13 
The Bangsamoro Regional Government shall also ensure that workers have access 
14 
to employment and social protection. 
15 
No trafficking in persons and engagement of minors in any hazardous or deleterious 
16 
forms of employment shall be tolerated. 
17 
These rights shall be provided for in a law to be passed by the Bangsamoro 
18 
Parliament. 
19 
SEC. 75. 
Protection of Women and Children. -
The Bangsamoro Regional 
20 
Government shall uphold and protect the fundamental rights of women and children 
21 
including the right of women to engage in lawful employment. Women and children 
22 
especially orphans of tender age, shall be protected from exploitation, abuse or 
38 


1 
discrimination and from all forms of sexual and gender-based violence, especially in 
2 
times of disaster, calamities and other crisis situations. Furthermore, there shall be 
3 
mechanisms within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region regarding the handling, 
4 
investigating and prosecuting cases of exploitation, abuse or discnmination against 
5 
women and children. 
6 
The economic, social and cultural rights, and the right to health and education of 
7 
women shall also be recognized. 
8 
The Bangsamoro Parliament shall enact the necessary laws for the implementation 
9 
of this Section. 
10 
SEC. 76. Participation of Women in the Bangsamoro Regional Government. - Aside 
11 
from the reserved seat for women in the Parliament, there shall be at least one (1) 
12 
qualified woman to be appointed to the Bangsamoro Cabinet. The Bangsamoro 
13 
Parliament shall enact laws that gives recognition to the important role of women in 
14 
nation-building and regional development, and ensures representation of women in 
15 
other decision-making and policy-determining bodies of the Bangsamoro Regional 
16 
Governrnent. 
17 
SEC. 77. 
Rights Of Children. -
The Bangsamoro Regional Government shall 
18 
respect, protect, and promote the rights of the children. 
19 
Bangsamoro policies and programs must take into utmost consideration the best 
20 
interest of the child, non-discrimination of children, survival and development, 
21 
protection and participation and rights of children, youth and adolescents. 
22 
In no case shall children be recruited and used as soldiers and combatants. In case 
23 
of conflict situation, children should be provided with alternative family care or 
39 


1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
11 
12 
13 
14 
15 
16 
17 
18 
19 
20 
21 
22 
23 
placement for their continuous care, nurturance and guidance in the absence or 
incapacity of their parents. There should be mechanisms to address violations 
committed against children in armed conflict. 
The Bangsamoro Regional Government and constituent local government units shall 
provide for adequate funding and effective mechanisms for Implementation of this 
policy. 
RIGHT TO EDUCATION 
SEC. 78. Integrated System Of Quality Education. - Consistent with the basic state 
policy in education, the Bangsamoro Regional Government shall establish, maintain, 
and support, as a top priority, a complete and integrated system of quality education 
and adopt an educational framework that is relevant, and responsive to the needs, 
ideals, and aspirations of the inhabitants in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. 
SEC. 79. 
Tribal University System. - The Bangsamoro Parliament shall create a 
Tribal University System within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region to address the 
higher educational needs of the indigenous cultural communities in the Bangsamoro 
Autonomous Region. An institute for a culture-based research, training and 
development to preserve and develop the indigenous knowledge, systems and 
practices of Non-Moro indigenous peoples shall likewise be established. 
RIGHT TO HEALTH 
SEC. 80. 
Comprehensive And Integrated Health Service Delivery. -
The 
Bangsamoro Regional Government shall adopt a policy on health that provides for a 
comprehensive and integrated health service delivery for its constituents. The 
Bangsamoro Regional Government shall, by law, establish a general hospital system 
10 


1 
to serve the health requirements of its people, to ensure that the individual basic right 
2 
to life shall be attainable through the prompt intervention of excellent and affordable 
3 
medical services. The Bangsamoro Regional Government shall also uphold the 
4 
people's right to have access to essential goods, health and other social services that 
5 
would promote and protect their well-being. 
6 
SEC. 81. 
Support For Persons With Disabilities. -
The Bangsamoro Regional 
7 
Government shall establish a special agency and support care and facilities for 
8 
persons with disabilities and other disadvantaged persons for their rehabilitation, and 
9 
livelihood or skills training to encourage their productive integration into mainstream 
10 
society. 
11 
ARTS AND SPORTS 
12 
SEC. 82. 
Physical Education And Sports Development. -
The Bangsamoro 
13 
Autonomous Region educational system shall develop and maintain an integrated 
14 
and comprehensive physical education program. It shall develop healthy, disciplined 
15 
innovative and productive individuals, and promote good sportsmanship, cooperation 
16 
and teamwork. 
17 
SEC. 83. 
Sports Programs. -
The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region education 
18 
system shall encourage and support sports programs, league competitions, 
19 
indigenous games, martial arts, and amateur sports including training for regional, 
20 
national and international competitions. 
21 
CULTURE 
22 
SEC. 84. Preservation Of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region Cultural Heritage. - To 
23 
preserve the history, culture, arts, tradition and the rich cultural heritage of the 


1 
sultanates, such as the sultanates of Sulu, Maguindanao, And Buayan, and the 
2 
Royal Houses of the Maranaos and the indigenous peoples of the Bangsamoro 
3 
Autonomous Region, there shall be created a Bangsamoro Autonomous Region 
4 
Commission for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage. 
5 
SEC. 85. 
Primary Responsibility Of The Commission. -
The Bangsamoro 
6 
Autonomous Region in coordination with the National Historical Commission of the 
7 
Philippines (NHCP) for the preservation of cultural heritage shall have the primary 
8 
responsibility to write the history of all the inhabitants in the Bangsamoro 
9 
Autonomous Region and to establish and sustain the cultural institutions, programs 
10 
and projects in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. The Commission shall 
11 
establish its own libraries and museums, declare and restore historical shrines and 
12 
cultural sites to preserve in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region heritage for 
13 
posterity. 
14 
SEC. 86. Management Of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region Historical And Cultural 
15 
Sites. - The National Government shall transfer the management of Bangsamoro 
16 
historical and CUltural sites currently under the jurisdiction of the National Museum, 
17 
NHCP or other agencies of the National Government to the Bangsamoro 
18 
Autonomous Regional Office for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage (BAROPCH). 
19 
The BAROPCH shall coordinate with relevant agencies of the National Government 
20 
on the regulation, excavation and preservation of cultural artifacts and on the 
21 
recovery of lost historical and cultural heritage. 
22 
ARTICLE XI 
23 
BANGSAMORO JUSTICE SYSTEM 
24 
SEC. 87. 
Justice System In The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. - The justice 
25 
system in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region shall consist of Shari'ah law which 
12 


1 
shall have supremacy and application over Muslims only; the traditional or tribal 
2 
justice system, for the indigenous peoples in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region; 
3 
the local courts; and alternative dispute resolution systems. 
4 
For Muslims, the justice system in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region shall give 
5 
primary consideration to Shari'ah, and customary rights and traditions of the 
6 
indigenous peoples in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. 
7 
Nothing herein shall be construed to operate to the prejudice of non-muslims and 
8 
non-indigenous peoples. 
9 
SHARI'AH JUSTICE SYSTEM 
10 
SEC. 88. 
Shari'ah Justice System. -
The Shari'ah courts in the Bangsamoro 
11 
Autonomous Region shall have jurisdiction over Shari'ah law enacted by the 
12 
Bangsamoro Parliament pertaining to persons and family relations 
13 
There shall be cooperation and coordination with National Government regarding the 
14 
Shari'ah justice system, through the different mechanisms as herein provided. 
15 
SEC. 89. 
Laws On Shari'ah. -
The Bangsamoro Parliament shall enact laws 
16 
pertaining to persons and family relations. These laws on Shari'ah shall only be 
17 
applicable to Muslims. 
18 
SEC. 90. Sources Of Shari'ah Law - The following are the sources of Shari'ah law, 
19 
among others: 
20 
a. 
al-qur'an (the koran); 
21 
b. al-sunnah (prophetic traditions); 
13 


1 
c. 
al-qiyas (analogy); and 
2 
d. al-ijima (consensus). 
3 
SEC. 91. Shari'ah Circuit Courts. - The Shari'ah Circuit Court in the Bangsamoro 
4 
Autonomous Region shall exercise exclusive original jurisdiction over the following 
5 
matters: 
6 
a. all cases involving offenses defined and punished under Presidential Decree 
7 
(PD) No. 1083, where the act or omission has been committed in the 
8 
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region; 
9 
b. all civil actions and proceedings between parties residing in the Bangsamoro 
10 
Autonomous Region. and Who are Muslims or have been married in 
11 
accordance with Article 13 of PD 1083 involving disputes relating to: 
12 
13 
14 
15 
16 
17 
18 
i. 
ii. 
iii. 
iv. 
v. 
vi. 
vii. 
marriage; 
divorce recognized under PD 1083; 
betrothal or breach of contract to marry; 
customary dower (mahr); 
disposition and distribution of property upon divorce; 
maintenance and support, and consolatory gifts; 
restitution of marital fights. 
19 
c. all cases involving disputes relative to communal properties; and 
20 
d. all civil actions, under Shari'ah law enacted by the Bangsamoro Parliament, 
21 
involving real property in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, where the 
22 
assessed value of the property does not exceed four hundred thousand 
23 
pesos (p400,000.00); 


1 
SEC. 92. Shari'ah District Courts. - The Shari'ah District Court in the Bangsamoro 
2 
Autonomous Region shall exercise exclusive original jurisdiction over the following 
3 
matters: 
4 
a. all cases involving custody, guardianship, legitimacy, paternity and filiation 
5 
arising under PO 1083; 
6 
b. all cases involving disposition, distribution and settlement of the estate of 
7 
deceased Muslims that are inhabitants of the Bangsamoro Autonomous 
8 
Region, probate of wills, issuance of letters of administration or appointment of 
9 
administrators or executors regardless of the nature or the aggregate value of 
10 
the property; 
11 
c. petitions for the declaration of absence and death for the cancellation or 
12 
correction of entries in the Muslim registries mentioned in Title VI of Book Two 
13 
of PO 1083; 
14 
d. all actions arising from customary and Shari'ah compliant contracts in which 
15 
the parties are Muslims, if they have not specified which law shall govern their 
16 
relations; 
17 
e. ali petitions for mandamus, prohibition, injunction, certiorari, habeas corpus, 
18 
and ali other auxiliary writs and processes in aid of its appellate jurisdiction; 
19 
f. 
petitions by Muslims for the constitution of a family home, change of name and 
20 
commitment of an insane person to an asylum; 
21 
g. ali other personal and real actions not falling under the jurisdiction of the 
22 
Shari'ah circuit courts wherein the parties involved are Muslims, except those 
15 


1 
for forcible entry and unlawful detainer, which shall fall under the exclusive 
2 
original jurisdiction of the municipal circuit court; 
3 
h. all special civil actions for interpleader or declaratory relief wherein the parties 
4 
are Muslims residing in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region or the property 
5 
involved belongs exclusively to Muslims and is located in the Bangsamoro 
6 
Autonomous Region; and 
7 
i. 
all civil actions, under Shari'ah law enacted by the Bangsamoro Parliament, 
8 
involving real property in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, where the 
9 
assessed value of the property exceeds four hundred thousand pesos 
10 
(p400,000.00); 
11 
The Shari'ah district court in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region shall exercise 
12 
appellate jurisdiction over all cases decided upon by the Shari'ah circuit courts within 
13 
its territorial jurisdiction, as provided under Article 144 of PO 1083. 
14 
SEC. 
93. 
Additional Shari'ah Courts. -
Upon the recommendation of the 
15 
Bangsamoro Regional Government, Congress may create additional Shari'ah courts 
16 
in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region and apportion the jurisdiction of each of the 
17 
Shari'ah circuit and district courts. 
18 
SEC. 94. Qualifications Of Shari'ah Judges. -
19 
a. Shari'ah circuit court. - No person shall be appointed judge of the Shari'ah 
20 
circuit court unless he/she is a subject of the Shari'ah court system, citizen of 
21 
the Philippines, at least twenty-five (25) years of age, a graduate of a four-
22 
year course on Shari'al1 or Islamic jurisprudence, and has passed an 
23 
examination in the Sl1ari'ah to be given by the Supreme Court for admission 
16 


1 
to special membership in the Philippine Bar to practice in the Shari'ah courts; 
2 
b. Shari'ah district court. - no person shall be appointed judge of the Shari'ah 
3 
district court unless he/she is a subject of the Shari'ah court system, citizen of 
4 
the Philippines at least thirty-five (35) years of age, a graduate of a four-year 
5 
course on Shari'ah or Islamic jurisprudence, and has passed an examination 
6 
in the Shari'ah to be given by the Supreme Court for admission to special 
7 
membership in the Phil'lppine Bar to practice in the Shari'ah courts. 
8 
Furthermore, such person should have been engaged in the practice of 
9 
Shari'ah law in the Philippines for at least five (5) years prior to his 
10 
appointment; 
11 
SEC. 95. Shari'ah Rules Of Courl. The rules of court for the Shari'ah courts in the 
12 
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region shall be promulgated by the Supreme Court. The 
13 
Philippine Judicial Academy shall convene all the shari'a judges for the purpose of 
14 
drawing up the rules of court for shari'a courts that shalll be proposed to the Supreme 
15 
Court for approval and for promulgation. In the meantime, the special rules of court 
16 
for Shari'ah courts, as promulgated by the Supreme Court, shall continue to be in 
17 
force. 
18 
SEC. 
96. 
Special Bar Examinations For Shari'ah, - The Supreme Court shall 
19 
continue to administer Shan'ah bar examinations for admission of applicants to the 
20 
Philippine Bar as special members thereof, with due consideration for the special 
21 
nature of the shari'ah system, 
22 
SEC. 97. Compensation. - Judges of the Shari'ah circuit court in the Bangsamoro 
23 
Autonomous Region are entitled to the same compensation and enjoy the same 
24 
privileges as judges of municipal circuit trial courts, 
17 


1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
11 
12 
13 
14 
15 
16 
17 
18 
19 
20 
21 
22 
23 
24 
25 
Judges of the Shari'ah district court in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region are 
entitled to the same compensation and enjoy the same privileges as the judges of 
regional trial courts. 
SEC. 
98. 
Appointment And Discipline Of Sl1ari'ah Court Personnel. --
The 
Supreme Court shall appoint the Shari'ah court personnel, and shall have the power 
of discipline over them. 
SEC. 99. 
Shari'al1 Public Assistance Office. To provide free legal assistance to 
indigent party litigants, the Bangsamoro Parliament shall create a Shari'ah Public 
Assistance Office for the different Shari'ah courts in the Bangsamoro Autonomous 
Region. 
SEC. 100. Shari'ah Special Prosecution Service. - There shall be created a Shari'al1 
SpeCial Prosecution Service for Shari'ah administration of justice in the Bangsamoro 
Autonomous Region. The Sl1ari'al1 Special Prosecution Service shall be attached to 
the national prosecutorial service of the National Government. The Bangsamoro 
Regional Government shall recommend the qualified applicants for the position of the 
Shari'ah prosecutors and personnel of the Shari'all special prosecution service to the 
Secretary of Justice. 
SEC. 101. Sl1ari'ah Academy. - There is hereby created a Sl1ari'ah Academy, the 
primary function of which is to conduct courses and trainings on the practice of 
Shari'ah law in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, accredit Sl1ari'ah courses and 
degrees obtained by Bangsamoro from schools and universities abroad, and develop 
the curriculum of schools and unIVersities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. 
The Bangsamoro Parliament shall define its powers and additional functions and 
appropriate funds therefor. The Shari'ah Academy may coordinate with the NCMF 
whenever necessary. 
18 


1 
SEC. 102. Office Of Jurisconsult In Islamic Law. - There is hereby created an Office 
2 
of Jurisconsult of Islamic Law in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. The 
3 
Parliament shall define the powers and functions of this Office. 
4 
The Office of Jurisconsult shall be a collegial body composed of the Jurisconsult and 
5 
three (3) 
deputies who 
shall 
be appointed 
by the Chief Minister upon 
6 
recommendation of the Parliament, taking into consideration the various ethnic 
7 
groups in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. 
8 
The Jurisconsult and his deputies shall be members of the Philippine Shari'ah Bar or 
9 
the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (lBP), Bangsamoro who are subjects of the 
10 
Shari'ah court system, holders of bachelor degree in Islamic law and jurisprudence, 
11 
must uphold Islamic injunctions, be of proven competence and probity, mentally fit, 
12 
and be known for integrity and high moral standards. 
13 
SEC. 103. 
Jurisconsult Under Existing Law. 
- Notwithstanding the preceding 
14 
Section the office of the Jurisconsult under PO 1083 shall be strengthened by being 
15 
provided with salary, rank and privileges of a justice of the Court of Appeals (CA). 
16 
TRIBAL JUSTICE SYSTEMS 
17 
SEC. 104. Tribal Justice Systems. - The Bangsamoro Parliament shall enact laws 
18 
to promote and support the tribal justice systems that are appropriate for the 
19 
indigenous peoples, as defined by them. The tribal justice systems are the 
20 
mechanisms to determine, settle, and decide controversies and enforce decisions 
21 
involving disputes between members of the indigenous peoples concerned in 
22 
accordance with the customary laws, institutional structures, juridical systems, 
23 
traditions and practices of the different Non-Moro indigenous peoples. 
19 


1 
2 
SEC. 
105. 
Office For Tribal Justice -
There is hereby created a Bangsamoro 
3 
Autonomous Region Office for Tribal Justice (BAROT J) responsible in overseeing the 
4 
study, preservation and development of the Tribal Justice system within the 
5 
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. The powers and functions of the BAROT J shall 
6 
be defined by the Bangsamoro Parliament. 
7 
The BAROT J shall ensure the full participation of indigenous peoples in the 
8 
formulation, implementation and evaluation of policies related to the strengthening of 
9 
tribal justice system; ensuring further that such systems maintain their indigenous 
10 
character in accordance with the respective practices of each tribe. 
11 
LOCAL COURTS 
12 
SEC. 106.' Local Courts. - Local courts in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region 
13 
shall continue to exercise their judicial functions, as provided by law. The 
14 
Bangsamoro Regional Government may undertake measures to improve their 
15 
workings condition, consistent with the powers of the Supreme Court. 
16 
ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION SYSTEM 
17 
SEC. 107. Alternative Dispute Rosolution - The Bangsamoro Regional Government 
18 
shall provide for the institution of alternative dispute resolution system in the 
19 
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. 
The Parliament shall enact the necessary 
20 
legislation for the operationalization of alternative dispute resolution. 
21 
The Bangsamoro Regional Government shall adopt the principles of conciliation and 
22 
mediation in settling disputes. The Bangsamoro Parliament may provide for prior 
23 
recourse to alternative dispute resolution before the filing of cases in Shari'ah courts 
50 


1 
in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region or any Bangsamoro Regional Government 
2 
offices. 
3 
JUSTICES FROM THE BANGSAMORO 
4 
SEC. 108. 
Justices From Bangsamoro. -
It shall be the policy of the National 
5 
Government that, whenever feasible at least one (1) justice in the Supreme Court 
6 
and two (2) justices in the Court of Appeals at anyone time who shall be qualified 
7 
jurist of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. For this purpose, the Chief Minister 
8 
may, after consultations with the Bangsamoro Parliament, submit the names of 
9 
qualified nominees to the judicial and Bar Council (JBC) for its consideration. The 
10 
appointments of those recommended by the Chief Minister to the judicial pOSitions 
11 
mentioned above are without prejudice to appointments that may be extended to 
12 
other qualified inhabitants of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region to other positions 
13 
in the Judiciary. 
14 
SEC. 109. Deputy Court Administrator For The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. -
15 
The Office of the Deputy Court Administrator for the Bangsamoro Autonomous 
16 
Region is hereby created. The Oeputy Court Administrator for the Bangsamoro 
17 
Autonomous Region shall be appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court 
18 
from among three (3) recommendees submitted by the Chief Minister upon previous 
19 
consultation with the Bangsamoro Parliament and with the concerned sectors of the 
20 
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. 
21 
ARTICLE X 
22 
PUBLIC ORDER AND SAFETY 
23 
SEC. 110. Public Order And Sarety. - The Bangsamoro Regional Government shall 
24 
have joint responsibility with the National Government over public order and safety 
25 
within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. 
51 


1 
SEC. 111. 
Bangsamoro Autonomous Regional Police (BARP). - There is hereby 
2 
created a Bangsamoro Autonomous Regional Police, which is an integral part of 
3 
the PNP. The preservation of peace and order within the Bangsamoro 
4 
Autonomous Region shall be the responsibility of the BARP which shall be 
5 
organized, maintained, supervised, and utilized, unless otherwise provided in this 
6 
Act, in accordance with RA No. 6975, otherwise known as the "Department of the 
7 
Interior and Local Government Act of 1990" as amended by RA No. 8551 or the 
8 
"Philippine National Police Reform and Reorganization Act of 1998". 
9 
The BARP shall be initially composed of existing PNP personnel in the ARMM. In 
10 
the recruitment of members of the BARP, priority shall be given to the inhabitants 
11 
of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, subject to existing laws, rules and 
12 
regulations on recruitment and training. 
13 
SEC. 
112. 
Powers And Functions Of The Bangsamoro Autonomous Regional 
14 
Police. - The BARP shall exercise within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region the 
15 
following powers and functions: 
16 
a. enforce laws enacted by the Congress and by the Bangsamoro Parliament 
17 
relative to the protection of lives and properties of the people; 
18 
b. maintain law and order and ensure public safety; 
19 
c. 
investigate and prevent crimes, arrest criminal offenders, bring criminal 
20 
suspects to justice, and assist in their prosecution; 
21 
d. conduct searches and seizures in accordance with pertinent laws; 
52 


1 
e. detain persons for a period not exceeding what is prescribed by law, inform 
2 
the person so detained of all the rights under the 
1987 Philippine 
3 
Constitution and the Basic Law, and observe and respect human rights; 
4 
Process and facilitate applications for the registration of firearms and the 
5 
issuance of licenses and permits for approval by the proper official of the 
6 
PNP; 
7 
f. 
initiate drives for the registration or sUiTender of unregistered firearms; 
8 
9 
10 
11 
12 
13 
14 
15 
16 
17 
18 
19 
20 
21 
22 
23 
confiscate unregistered firearms after such drives are over; to file cases or 
recommend to the President the grant of amnesty or pardon to possessors of 
unregistered firearms who surrender them; and 
g. 
perform such other duties and exercise all other functions as may be provided 
by law enacted by Congress or by the Bangsamoro Parliament. 
SEC. 
113. 
Bangsamoro Autonomous Regional Police Organization. -
The 
structural organization of the BARP shall be as follows: 
a. It shall be headed by a Bangsamoro Autonomous Regional Police Director, 
who shall be assisted by at least two (2) deputies. The Bangsamoro 
Autonomous Region police director and his deputies shall come from the 
ranks of the professional police force, preferably from any province, city, or 
municipality of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. 
b. It shall have regional, provincial, and city or municipal offices; 
c. The provincial office shall be headed by a provincial director, who shall be 
a professional police officer with the rank of, at least, police superintendent; 
and 
53 


1 
d. The city or municipal office or station shall be headed by a chief of police, 
2 
who shall be a professional police officer with the rank of, at least, police 
3 
superintendent for the city and police inspector for the municipality. 
4 
SEC. 114. Bangsamoro Autonomous Regional Police Board (BARPB). - There is 
5 
hereby created a Bangsamoro Autonomous Regional Police Board (BARPB), which 
6 
shall perform the functions of the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) in the 
7 
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. The BARPB shall be under the administration and 
8 
control of the NAPOLCOM. The NAPOLCOM shall ensure that the BARPB performs 
9 
its powers and functions within the bounds of its authority. In addition, the BARP shall 
10 
perform the following functions: 
11 
a. to set the policing objectives and priorities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous 
12 
Region; 
13 
b. to monitor the performance of the BARP against policing objectives and 
14 
priorities; 
15 
c. to monitor crime trends and patterns as well as performance in areas of human 
16 
rights, 
crime reduction, 
and crime prevention, 
recruiting patterns and 
17 
employment opportunities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region; 
18 
d. to provide information and guidance to the Bangsamoro Regional Government 
19 
and the PNP on the annual budgetary requirement of the BARP; 
20 
e. to monitor police performance as against the budget allocation for the BARP; 
21 
and 
54 


1 
f. 
to make recommendations to the BARP director on the appointments of the 
2 
deputies, the provincial directors, and city and mUnicipal chiefs of the BARP. 
3 
The BARPB shall have the power to investigate complaints against the BARP. 
4 
Appeals from its decision may be lodged with the National Police Commission. 
5 
Pending resolution of the appeal, its decisions may be executed. The rules and 
6 
regulations governing the investigation of the members of the PNP shall be followed 
7 
by the BARPB. 
8 
SEC. 115. Composition Of The Board. - The BARPS shall be composed of eleven 
9 
(11) members who must be a resident of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, 
10 
holder of a college degree and with known integrity and civic mindedness in the 
11 
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. All the members thereof shall be appointed by the 
12 
Chief Minister in accordance with the rules promulgated by the Bangsamoro 
13 
Parliament for this purpose. 
14 
SEC. 116. Terms Of Office - The members of the BARPB shall hold office for a 
15 
period of three (3) years: Provided, That of those first appointed four (4) shall hold 
16 
office for three (3) years, another four (4) shall hold office for two (2) years, and three 
17 
(3) shall hold office for one (1) year. Appointment for any vacancy shall only be for 
18 
the unexpired term of the predecessor. 
19 
SEC. 117. Powers Of The Chief Minister Over The BARP. - The Chief Minister shall 
20 
have the following powers over the BARP: 
21 
A. to act as ex officio chair of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region Police 
22 
Board and as Deputy of the NAPOLCOM in the Bangsamoro Autonomous 
23 
Region on matters dealing with the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region 
24 
Police; 
55 


1 
B. to oversee the preparation and implementation of the integrated 
2 
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region public safety plan; 
3 
C. to impose, after due notice and summary hearings of the of the citizen's 
4 
complaints, administrative penalties on personnel of the Bangsamoro 
5 
Autonomous Region police except those appointed by the President; such 
6 
power shall be exercised by the Chief Minister through the creation of a 
7 
People's Law Enforcement Board in accordance with RA 8551. 
8 
9 
D. do 
everything necessary to promote widespread 
support for the 
10 
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region Police by inhabitants of the Bangsamoro 
11 
Autonomous Region. 
12 
SEC. 118. 
Staffing Level. - The average staffing level of the Bangsamoro 
13 
Autonomous Region Police shall be approximately in accordance with the pOlice-to-
14 
population of one (1) pOlice officer for every five hundred (500) persons. The actual 
15 
strength by cities and municipalities shall depend on the state of peace and order, 
16 
population density and actual demands of service in the particular area: Provided, 
17 
That the minimum police to population ratio shall not be less than one (1) police 
18 
officer for everyone thousand (1,000) persons: Provided, Further that urban areas 
19 
shall have a higher minimum police to population ratio as may be prescribed by 
20 
regulations. 
21 
There shall be a program in the police force that will address gender-based violence. 
22 
The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region police shall prioritize the recruitment and 
23 
training of women who shall serve In women's desks. Pursuant to this requirement, 
24 
ten percent (10%) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region police annual recruitment, 
25 
training, and education quota shall be reserved for women. 
56 


1 
SEC. 119. Community Police.- The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region police shall 
2 
adopt community policing as an essential mechanism in maintaining peace and 
3 
order. 
4 
SEC. 120. Defense And Security.- The defense and security of the Bangsamoro 
5 
Autonomous Region shall be the responsibility of the National Government. Qualified 
6 
inhabitants of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region shall be given preference for 
7 
assignments in the unit or units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in the 
8 
area. 
9 
SEC. 121. 
Calling Upon The Armed Forces. - The provisions of the preceding 
10 
section notwithstanding, the Chief Minister may request the President to call upon the 
11 
AFP: 
12 
a. to prevent or suppress lawless violence, invasion, or rebellion, when the 
13 
public safety so requires, in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region; 
14 
b. to suppress the danger to or breach of peace in the Bangsamoro 
15 
Autonomous Region, when the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region police is 
16 
not able to do so; or 
17 
c. to avert any imminent danger to public order and security in the 
18 
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. 
19 
SEC. 122. 
Indigenous Structure. - The Bangsamoro Regional Government shall 
20 
recognize indigenous structures or systems which promote peace, and law and 
21 
order. 
The Bangsamoro Parliament shall provide institutional support to these 
57 


1 
structures and systems to enhance peace and security in the Bangsamoro 
2 
Autonomous Region. 
3 
ARTICLE XI 
4 
FISCAL AUTONOMY 
5 
SEC. 123. Fiscal Autonomy. - The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region shall enjoy 
6 
fiscal autonomy with the end in view of attaining the highest form of economic self-
7 
sufficiency and genuine development. It shall be entitled to all fund sources 
8 
enumerated herein, and shall have the power to create its sources of revenues as 
9 
provided in this Basic Law. It shall prepare its budget and shall allocate funds in 
10 
accordance with an annual appropriations law passed by the Bangsamoro 
11 
Parliament. The form, content, and manner of preparation of the budget shall be 
12 
prescribed by law enacted by the Bangsamoro Parliament. 
13 
SEC. 124. Local Government Finance. - The Bangsamoro Regional Government 
14 
shall create a mechanism for coordinating, assisting, and monitoring the finances of 
15 
the constituent local government units in pursuance of good governance and local 
16 
autonomy. 
17 
SEC. 125. 
National Government Assistance. -
The National Government shall 
18 
extend assistance to the Bangsamoro Reg'lonal Government in the matter of tax 
19 
administration and fiscal management. This assistance shall include capacity building 
20 
and training programs, in accordance with a needs assessment and capacity building 
21 
plan developed by the Bangsamoro Regional Government in consultation with the 
22 
National Government. 
Sf) 


1 
SEC. 126. Assistance To Other Regions. - The Bangsamoro Regional Government 
2 
may also assist the development efforts of other regions once the Bangsamoro 
3 
Autonomous Region has attained financial self-sustainability. 
4 
SOURCES OF REVENUE 
5 
SEC. 127. Revenue Sources. - The Bangsamoro Regional Government shall have 
6 
the power to create its own sources of revenues and to levy taxes, fees, and 
7 
charges, subject to the provisions of this Basic Law and consistent with the principles 
8 
of devolution of powers, equalization, equity, accountability, administrative simplicity, 
9 
harmonization, and economic efficiency, and fiscal autonomy. Such taxes, fees, and 
10 
charges shall accrue exclusively to the Bangsamoro Regional Government. The 
11 
National Government shall continue to levy national t9xes in the Bangsamoro 
12 
Autonomous Region. 
13 
The sources of revenue of the Bangsamoro Regional Government shall include, 
14 
among others, the following: 
15 
a. taxes; 
16 
b. fees and charges; 
17 
c. annual block grant coming from National Government; 
18 
d. revenues from the exploratIOn, development and utilization of natural resources 
19 
derived from areas/territories, land or water, covered by and within the 
20 
jurisdiction of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region; 
21 
e. grants from economic agreements entered into by the Bangsamoro Regional 
22 
Government and conventions to which the National Government is a party; 
23 
f. 
grants and donations; and 
24 
g. loans and overseas development assistance (ODA). 
59 


1 
SEC. 128. Taxation. - The Bangsamoro Regional Government shall exercise the 
2 
power to levy taxes, fees or charges that were already given to the ARMM or allowed 
3 
under RA 6734 and RA 9054, and other legislations, as well as those that are 
4 
provided herein. 
5 
In enacting revenue-raising measures, the Bangsamoro Regional Government shall 
6 
observe the principles of uniformity and equity in taxation. Revenues shall inure 
7 
solely to the benefit of, and be subject to the disposition by, the Bangsamoro 
8 
Regional Government. 
9 
Taxes, fees, or charges shall not be unjust, excessive, oppressive, confiscatory or 
10 
contrary to public policy. The collection of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region taxes, 
11 
fees, charges and other impositions shall not be Ie! to any private person. 
12 
Entities with franchises, licenses, and permits granted by Congress of the Philippines 
13 
which are already taxed by the National Government and granted exemption 
14 
pursuant to their franchises, licenses and permits are excluded from the taxing power 
15 
of the Bangsamoro Regional Government. 
16 
The power to impose a tax under this Basic Law shall be exercised by the 
17 
Bangsamoro Parliament, through an appropriate legislation, which shall not be 
18 
enacted without any prior public hearing conducted for the purpose. The 
19 
Bangsamoro Regional Government shall, as far as practicable, evolve a progressive 
20 
system of taxation. 
21 
SEC. 129. 
Tax Incentives. -
To encourage Investments and other economic 
22 
activities, the Bangsamoro Regional Government shall have the power to grant tax 
23 
exemptions, rebates, tax holidays and other incentives from the taxes imposed by it 
24 
including those granted to the regional board of investment of the ARMM: Provided 
60 


1 
That any grant of exemption in the form of rebate or refund shall be funded from the 
2 
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region funds or budget. As part of incentives to investors, 
3 
the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region may opt instead to impose a flat rate lump sum 
4 
tax on small and medium enterprises. 
5 
SEC. 130. 
Taxing powers. The following taxes in the Bangsamoro Autonomous 
6 
Region shall be levied by the Bangsamoro Regional Government. 
7 
a. capital gains tax. - tax imposed on the gains presumed to have been realized 
8 
by the seller from the sale, exchange, or other disposition of capital assets, 
9 
including pacta de retro sales and other forms of conditional sale, 
10 
b. documentary stamp tax. - tax on documents, instruments, loan agreements 
11 
and papers evidencing the acceptance, assignment, sale or transfer of an 
12 
obligation rights or property inCident thereto; 
13 
c. donor's tax. -
tax on a donation or gift, and is imposed on the gratuitous 
14 
transfer of property between two or more persons who are living at the time of 
15 
the transfer. It shall apply whether the transfer is in trust or otherwise, whether 
16 
the gift is direct or indirect and whether the property is real or personal, tangible 
17 
or intangible; 
18 
d. estate tax. - tax on the right of the deceased person to transmit his/her estate 
19 
to his/her lawful heirs and beneficiaries at the time of death and on certain 
20 
transfers, which are made by law as equivalent to testamentary disposition; 
21 
e. income tax levied on banks and other financial institutions; 
61 


1 
f. 
registration fees of vessels which are registered by their owners with the 
2 
Bangsamoro Regional Government and wharfage on wharves constructed and 
3 
maintained by the 8angsamoro Regional Government or the local government 
4 
unit concerned; 
5 
g. tolls on bridges or roads constructed and maintained by the provinces, cities, 
6 
municipalities, or barangays concerned or by the Bangsamoro Regional 
7 
Government; 
8 
h. taxes, fees, or charges on agricultural and aquatic products, except when sold 
9 
by marginal farmers orfisherfolk; 
10 
i. 
excise taxes on articles that are not enumerated under the national internal 
11 
revenue code; 
12 
j. 
taxes, fees, or charges on countryside, barangay enterprises and cooperatives 
13 
not registered under RA 6810, the "Magna Carta for Countryside and Barangay 
14 
Business Enterprises" and RA 6938, the "Cooperatives Code of the 
15 
Philippines," respectively; and 
16 
k. such other taxes that were allowed to be levied by the government of the 
17 
ARMM under RA 6734, RA 9054, and other legislations and executive 
18 
issuances. 
19 
Where all taxable elements are within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, taxes 
20 
under letters (a) to (d) above shall no longer be imposed by the Bureau of Internal 
21 
Revenue (BIR) of the National Government. 
62 


1 
SEC. 131. Share In Taxes Of The National Government. - National Government 
2 
taxes, fees, and charges collected in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, other 
3 
than tariff and customs duties, shall be shared as follows: 
4 
a. twenty-five percent (25%) to the National Government; and 
5 
b. seventy-five percent (75%) to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, including 
6 
the shares of the local government units. 
7 
Corporations, partnerships, or firms directly engaged in business in the Bangsamoro 
8 
Autonomous Region shall pay their corresponding taxes, fess, and charges in the 
9 
province or city, where the corporations, partnership, or firm is doing business. 
10 
Corporations, partnership, or firms whose central, main, or head offices are located 
11 
outside the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region but which are doing business within its 
12 
territorial jurisdiction by farming, developing, or utilizing the land, aquatic, or natural 
13 
resources therein, shall pay the income taxes corresponding to the income realized 
14 
from their business operations in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region to the city, or 
15 
municipality where their branch offices or business operations or activities are 
16 
located. 
17 
The share in taxes, fees, and charges provided under this Section are separate and 
18 
distinct from the annual block grant that is appropriated to the Bangsamoro Regional 
19 
Government under Section 135 of this Article. 
20 
SEC. 132. Assessment And Collection Of Taxes. - The Bangsamoro Parliament 
21 
shall, by law, establish the Bangsamoro Autonomous Regional Tax Office (BARTO) 
22 
within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region for the purpose of assessing and 
23 
collecting Bangsamoro Autonomous Region taxes. 
63 


1 
Until such time that the BARTO is established, the collection of Bangsamoro 
2 
Autonomous Region taxes shall be done by the BIR. The share of the Bangsamoro 
3 
Regional Government shall be directly remitted to it. 
4 
SEC. 133. Share Of The Constituent Local Government Units In Taxes Within The 
5 
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. - The Bangsamoro Parliament shall enact a law 
6 
detailing the shares of constituent local government units in the seventy five percent 
7 
(75%) share of the Bangsamoro Regional Government in the taxes, fees and 
8 
charges collected in their jurisdiction by the National Government in the Bangsamoro 
9 
Autonomous Region. 
10 
SEC. 134. Bangsamoro Autonomous Region Taxes and Revenue Code. -
The 
11 
Bangsamoro Parliament shall enact a Bangsamoro Autonomous Region Tax Code, 
12 
which covers the taxing powers of the Bangsamoro Regional Government. 
13 
SEC. 135. 
Fees And Charges. -
The Bangsamoro Regional Government shall 
14 
exercise the power to levy fees and charges pursuant to th e powers and functions 
15 
that it shall exercise in accordance with this Basic Law, including the powers already 
16 
granted under RA 6734, RA 9054 and other executive issuances, and memoranda of 
17 
agreement. 
18 
BLOCK GRANT 
19 
SEC. 136. Annual Block Grant. - The National Government shall provide an annual 
20 
block grant which shall be the share of the Bangsamoro Regional Government in the 
21 
national internal revenue. The amount shall be sufficient for the exercise of the 
22 
powers and functions of the Bangsamoro Regional Government under this Basic Law 
61 


1 
which in no case to be less than the last budget received by the ARMM immediately 
2 
before the establishment of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority. 
3 
SEC. 
137. 
Formula Of The Block Grant. -
For the budget year immediately 
4 
following the year this act takes effect, the amount of the block grant shall be 
5 
equivalent to four per cent (4%) of the net national internal revenue collection of the 
6 
Bureau of Internal Revenue less the internal revenue allotment of local government 
7 
units. For purposes of this Section, the net national internal revenue collection of the 
8 
Bureau of Internal Revenue is understood to be the sum of all internal revenue tax 
9 
collections during the base year less the amount released during the same year for 
10 
tax refunds, payments for informer's reward, and any portion of internal revenue tax 
11 
collections which are presently set aside, or hereafter earmarked under speCial laws 
12 
for payment to third persons. 
13 
Provided, That the computation shall be based on collections from the third fiscal 
14 
year preceding the current fiscal year; 
15 
Provided, Furthermore, that in the event that the National Government incurs an 
16 
unmanageable public sector deficit, the President of the Philippines, with prior 
17 
consultation with the Chief Minister of the Bangsamoro Parliament may adjust the 
18 
annual block grant of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region: 
19 
Provided, Finally, that this adjustment shall be during the duration of the 
20 
unmanageable public sector deficit only. 
21 
SEC. 138. Automatic Appropriation. - The annual block grant shall be automatically 
22 
appropriated to the Bangsamoro Regional Government and reflected in the GAA. 
23 
The Bangsamoro Parliament shall pass an annual appropriations law that allocates 
24 
the block grant to various agencies and programs, according to the powers and 
65 


1 
functions of the Bangsamoro Regional Government giving highest priority to 
2 
education. The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region annual appropriations law shall 
3 
also include performance standards and targets for each sector. 
4 
SEC. 139. Regular Release. - The block grant shall be released, without need of 
5 
any further action, directly and comprehensively to the Bangsamoro Regional 
6 
Government, and which shall not be subject to any lien or holdback that may be 
7 
imposed by the National Government for whatever purpose. 
8 
SEC. 140. Deductions From The Block Grant; Exceptions. - Four years from the 
9 
operationalization of the regular Bangsamoro Regional Government the following 
10 
shall be deducted from the block grants: 
11 
a. revenues from the additional taxes beyond those already devolved to the 
12 
ARMM, including those that had been collected three (3) years before; and 
13 
b. share of the Bangsamoro Regional Government in the income derived from 
14 
the exploration, development and utilization of natural resources, as provided 
15 
in Section 149 below, including those that had been collected three (3) years 
16 
before. 
17 
Provided, That the amount allocated for the operation of the Bangsamoro 
18 
Autonomous Region Sustainable Development Board, as provided in Section 161, 
19 
Article XII shall not be included in the amount herein to be deducted from the block 
20 
grant: Provided, Further, that the abovementioned deduction shall not include the 
21 
shares of constituent local government units and of indigenous communities in 
22 
government income derived from the exploration, development and utilization of 
23 
natural resources, under Sections 150 and 151, respectively, of this Article. 
66 


1 
SEC. 141. Review Of The Block Grant Formula. - The formula for the block grant, 
2 
as provided above, shall be reviewed by the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region Fiscal 
3 
Policy Board (BARFPB) four (4) years after its effectivity and every five (5) years 
4 
thereafter. The review that shall be undertaken shall consider, among others, the 
S 
fiscal needs of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region and the actual revenues it is 
6 
able to generate. The result of the review shall be forwarded to Congress for its 
7 
consideration and possible enactment into law. 
8 
SEC. 142. Development Programs And Projects. - Immediately after the ratification 
9 
of this Basic Law, and for another five (5) years thereafter, the National Government 
10 
shall provide for additional funds that would subsidize expenditure for development 
11 
projects and infrastructure in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, including 
12 
national roads and bridges, taking into consideration a development plan formulated 
13 
by the Bangsamoro Regional Government. 
14 
LOANS 
15 
SEC. 143. Foreign And Domestic Loans; Bills, Bonds, Notes And Obligations. - (a) 
16 
loans, credits, and other forms of indebtedness. - The contracting of loans, credits, 
17 
and other forms of indebtedness by the Bangsamoro Regional Government shall be 
18 
for the development and welfare of the people of the Bangsamoro Autonomous 
19 
Region. 
20 
Subject to acceptable credit worthiness and compliance with the 1987 Philippine 
21 
Constitution, relevant laws and regulations, such loans may be secured from 
22 
domestic and foreign lending institutions: Provided, That any loan secured from 
23 
foreign lending institution shall require the prior concurrence of the monetary board. 
24 
Provided, Further that any loan that will require sovereign guarantee, whether explicit 
2S 
or implicit, shall need the approval of the National Government. The Bangsamoro 
67 


1 
Parliament may authorize the Chief Minister to contract such domestic or foreign 
2 
loans. The loans so contracted may take effect upon approval by a majority of all the 
3 
members of the Bangsamoro Parliament. 
4 
The National Government shall assist the Bangsamoro Regional Government in 
5 
complying with the requirements in securing foreign loans to finance local 
6 
infrastructure and other socio-economic development projects in accordance with the 
7 
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region development plan. 
8 
b) bills, bonds, notes, debentures and obligations. -
subject to the rules and 
9 
regulations of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Securities and 
10 
Exchange Commission (SEC), the Bangsamoro Regional Government is also 
11 
authorized to issue treasury bills, bonds, debentures, securities, collaterals, notes, 
12 
obligations, and other debt papers or documents, as well as redeem or retire the 
13 
same, pursuant to law enacted by the Bangsamoro Parliament. The authority may be 
14 
exercised to finance self-liquidating, income producing development or livelihood 
15 
projects pursuant to the priorities established in the aforementioned development 
16 
plan. 
17 
(c) payment of loans and indebtedness. - the Bangsamoro Regional Government 
18 
shall appropriate in its annual budget such amounts as are sufficient to pay their 
19 
loans and their indebtedness incurred: Provided, That failure to provide the 
20 
appropriations herein required shall render their annual budgets inoperative. 
21 
SEC. 144. 
Overseas Development Assistance (ODA). -
In its efforts to achieve 
22 
inclusive growth and poverty reduction, through the implementation of priority 
23 
development projects, the Bangsamoro Regional Government may avail international 
24 
assistance in accordance with the aDA law. 
68 


1 
GRANTS AND DONATIONS 
2 
SEC. 145. Grants And Donations. - Grants and donations from foreign and domestic 
3 
donors received by the Bangsamoro Regional Government for the development and 
4 
welfare of the people in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region shall be used solely for 
5 
the purpose for which they were given. 
6 
Donations and grants that are used exclusively to finance projects for education, 
7 
health, youth and culture, and economic development, may be deducted in full from 
8 
the taxable income of the donor or grantor. 
9 
ECONOMIC AGREEMENTS AND CONVENTIONS 
10 
SEC. 146. Economic Agreements. - The Bangsamoro Regional Government may 
11 
enter into economic agreements and receive benefits and grants derived therefrom 
12 
subject to the approval of the National Government. 
13 
SEC. 147. Cultural Exchange, 
Economic And Technical Cooperation. -The 
14 
Bangsamoro Regional Government may establish linkages for cultural exchange, 
15 
economic and technical cooperation with countries with diplomatic relations with the 
16 
Philippines, with assistance of Philippine embassies or consulates, or through some 
17 
other arrangements with National Government supporting such undertakings. 
18 
SEC. 148. Benefits From Conventions. - The Bangsamoro Regional Government 
19 
shall be entitled to benefits resulting from conventions to which the National 
20 
Government is a party. such benefits shall be equitable and shall consider the 
21 
available human and material resources and comparative advantage of the 
22 
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, as well as its socio-economic conditions and 
23 
needs. 
69 


1 
2 
SHARING IN THE EXPLORATION, DEVELOPMENT AND 
UTILIZATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES 
3 
SEC. 149. 
Sharing In Exploration, Development And Utilization Of Natural 
4 
Resources. - National Government Income from taxes derived from the exploration, 
5 
development and utilization of all natural resources within the Bangsamoro 
6 
Autonomous Region shall be allocated as follows. 
7 
a. for non-metallic minerals (sand, gravel, and quarry resources), such revenues 
8 
shall pertain fully to its local government units pursuant to Section 138 of RA 
9 
7160, as amended; 
10 
b. for metallic minerals, seventy-five percent (75%) shall pertain to the 
11 
Bangsamoro Regional Government and its constituent local government units; 
12 
13 
c. for fossil fuels (petroleum, natural gas, and coal) and uranium, the same shall 
14 
be shared equally between the National Government and Bangsamoro 
15 
Regional Government and its constituent local government units. 
16 
The sharing scheme shall be applicable to the natural resources found in the 
17 
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. 
18 
SEC. 150. Share Of The Constituent Local Government Units. - The share of the 
19 
Bangsamoro Regional Government in the revenues referred to in the immediately 
20 
preceding Section shall include those for its constituent local government units under 
21 
Section 290 of RA 7160, as amended. Such share of the local government units shall 
22 
not be diminished and shall be directly remitted to them. 
70 


1 
SEC. 151. Share of indigenous communities. - Indigenous peoples shall have an 
2 
equitable share from the share of the Bangsamoro Regional Government from the 
3 
exploration, development and utilization of natural resources that are found within the 
4 
territories covered by a native title in their favor, pursuant to RA No. 8371 or the IPRA 
5 
of 1997. 
6 
THE BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION FISCAL POLICY BOARD 
7 
SEC. 152. The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region Fiscal Policy Board (BARFPB). -
8 
There is hereby created a Bangsamoro Autonomous Region Fiscal Policy Board 
9 
(BARFPB) that shall address revenue imbalances and fluctuations in regional 
10 
financial needs and revenue-raising capacity of the Bangsamoro Regional 
11 
Government. 
12 
SEC. 153. Functions. - The BARFPB shall undertake the following functions: 
13 
(a) recommend the necessary fiscal policy adjustments by undertaking a periodic 
14 
review of the taxing powers, tax base and rates of the Bangsamoro Regional 
15 
Government, wealth sharing arrangements, sources of revenues vis-a-vis the 
16 
development needs of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region; 
17 
(b) make recommendations to settle all concerns of the Bangsamoro Regional 
18 
Government involving the collection of capital gains tax, documentary stamp tax, 
19 
donor's tax and estate tax in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region; 
20 
(c) make recommendations on the participation of the Bangsamoro Regional 
21 
Government in the ownership and management of AI-Amanah Islamic Investment 
22 
Bank of the Philippines and the southern Philippines Development Authority (SPDA); 
23 
and 
71 


1 
(d) recommend the exercise by the Bangsamoro Regional Government of additional 
2 
fiscal powers in order to attain the highest form of fiscal autonomy. 
3 
SEC. 154. 
Composition. -
The BARFPB shall be composed of the heads or 
4 
representatives of the appropriate ministries and offices in the Bangsamoro Regional 
5 
Government. The National Government shall likewise be represented in the BARFPB 
6 
by the Secretary of Finance and such other officials as may be necessary. 
7 
SEC. 155. Meetings And Annual Report. The BARFPB shall meet at least once in 
8 
every six (6) months and shall adopt its own rules of procedure for the conduct of its 
9 
meetings. 
10 
An annual report shall be submitted by the BARFPB to the National Government and 
11 
the Bangsamoro Regional Government. 
12 
SEC. 156. Full Disclosure Policy. - The Bangsamoro Regional Government hereby 
13 
adopts a policy of full disclosure of its budget and finances, and bids and public 
14 
offerings and shall provide protocols for the guidance of local authorities in the 
15 
implementation of said policy, which shall include, among others the posting of the 
16 
summary of income and expenditures. The same policy shall apply to its constituent 
17 
local government units, as may be provided in a law to be enacted by the 
18 
Bangsamoro Parliament. 
19 
SEC. 157. Additional Fiscal Powers. - The BARFPB shall recommend the exercise 
20 
by the Bangsamoro Regional Government of additional fiscal powers in order to 
21 
reach full fiscal autonomy. Such recommendations shall be proposed to Congress for 
22 
its consideration. 
23 
ARTICLE XII 
72 


1 
ECONOMYANDPATruMONY 
2 
SEC. 158. Bangsamoro Autonomous Region's Economy and Social Justice - The 
3 
Bangsamoro Regional Government's economic policies and programs shall be 
4 
based on the principle of social justice. Pursuant to this principle, the Bangsamoro 
5 
Parliament shall legislate laws pertaining to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region's 
6 
economy and patrimony that are responsive to the needs of its people. 
7 
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT 
8 
SEC. 159. 
Equitable And Sustainable Development. -
In order to protect and 
9 
improve the quality of life of the inhabitants of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, 
10 
development in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region shall be carefully planned, 
11 
taking into consideration the natural resources that are available for its use and for 
12 
the use of future generations. 
13 
The Bangsamoro Regional Government shall promote the effective use of economic 
14 
resources and endeavor to attain economic development that shall facilitate growth 
15 
and full employment, human development, and social justice. 
16 
The Bangsamoro Regional Government shall also provide equitable opportunities for 
17 
the development of constituent local government units and shall strengthen 
18 
governance systems to ensure people's participation. 
19 
SEC. 160. 
Comprehensive Framework For Sustainable Development. -
The 
20 
Bangsamoro Regional Government shall develop a comprehensive framework for 
21 
sustainable 
development 
through 
the 
proper conservation, 
utilization 
and 
22 
development of natural resources. Such framework shall guide the Bangsamoro 
23 
Regional Government in adopting programs and 
pOlicies and establishing 
73 


1 
mechanisms that focus on the environment dimensions of social and economic 
2 
interventions. It shall include measures for the reduction of vulnerability of women 
3 
and marginalized groups to climate change and variability. 
4 
SEC. 161. 
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region SustainablG Development Board 
5 
(BARSDB). - The Bangsamoro Parliament shall create a Bangsamoro Autonomous 
6 
Region Sustainable Development Board (BARS DB), an intergovernmental body 
7 
composed of representatives from the Bangsamoro Regional Government and the 
8 
National 
Government. 
The 
Bangsamoro 
Autonomous 
Region 
Sustainable 
9 
Development Board shall ensure the harmonization of environmental and 
10 
developmental plans, as well as formulate common environmental objectives. 
11 
Funding support for the BARSDB shall be included in the annual budget of the 
12 
Bangsamoro Regional Government. However, if there are revenues collected from 
13 
the exploration, development and utilization of all natural resources within the 
14 
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, a certain percentage of such revenues shall be 
15 
allocated for the operation of the board, as may be provided in a law to be passed by 
16 
the Bangsamoro Parliament. 
17 
SEC. 162. Bangsamoro Autonomous Region Development Plan. - the Bangsamoro 
18 
Regional Government shall formulate its development plans taking into consideration 
19 
the Bangsamoro and the Non-Moro inhabitants in the Bangsamoro Autonomous 
20 
Region's unique needs and aspirations and consistent with national development 
21 
goals. The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region Development Plan shall also consider 
22 
the 
revenue 
generation 
efforts needed for the 
post-conflict rehabilitation, 
23 
reconstruction and development of its geographical area. 
24 
The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region Development Plan shall include the promotion 
25 
of growth and full employment, human development, and address social and 
74 


1 
economic inequities that have resulted from decades of neglect, historical injustice, 
2 
poverty and inequality. 
3 
For this purpose, the Bangsamoro Parliament shall create an economic planning 
4 
office. 
5 
SEC. 163. Gender And Development. - The Bangsamoro Regional Government 
6 
recognizes the role of women in governance and shall ensure the fundamental 
7 
equality before the law of women and men It shall guarantee full and direct 
8 
participation of women in governance and in the development process and shall, 
9 
further, ensure that women shall have equal access to land ownership and shall 
10 
benefit equally in the implementation of development programs and projects. 
11 
In the utilization of public funds, the Bangsamoro Regional Government shall ensure 
12 
that the needs of women and men are adequately addressed. For this purpose, at 
13 
least five percent (5%) of the total budget appropriation of each ministry and office of 
14 
the Bangsamoro Regional Government shall be set aside for gender-responsive 
15 
programs, in accordance with a Gender and Development (GAD) plan. In the same 
16 
manner, at least five percent (5%) up to thirty percent (30%) of the official 
17 
development funds received by the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region shall be set 
18 
aside to complement said GAD budget allocation. 
19 
The Bangsamoro Regional Government shall establish a mechanism for consultation 
20 
with women and local communities to further ensure the allocation and proper 
21 
utilization of said funds. It shall identify and implement special development 
22 
programs and laws for women. 
23 
SEC. 164. Participation Of The Bangsamoro In National Development Planning. -
24 
The preceding Section notwithstanding, and in order to ensure that the Bangsamoro 
7S 


1 
Autonomous Region development plans are reflected in the national development 
2 
plans, the Bangsamoro Regional Government shall participate in national 
3 
development planning. The Chief Minister shall be a full-fledged member of the 
4 
board of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). 
5 
NATURAL RESOURCES 
6 
SEC. 165. Natural Resources - The Bangsamoro Regional Government shall have 
7 
the authority, power, and right to control and supervision over the exploration, 
8 
utilization, development, and protection of the mines and minerals and other natural 
9 
resources within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region 
in 
accordance with 
10 
responsible mining policies, the Philippine Constitution, and the pertinent provisions 
11 
of this Basic Law. 
12 
Provided, that the strategic minerals such as uranium, petroleum, and other fossil 
13 
fuels, mineral oils, and all sources of potential energy shall remain under the control 
14 
and supervision of the National Government; provided further that in the utilization 
15 
and exploration of strategic minerals, the Bangsamoro Regional Government shall be 
16 
consulted. 
17 
SEC. 166. Preferential Rights Of Bona Fide Inhabitants Of The Bangsamoro 
18 
Autonomous Region. - Qualified inhabitants who are bona fide inhabitants of the 
19 
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region shall have preferential rights over the exploration, 
20 
development, and utilization of natural resources, including fossil fuels (petroleum, 
21 
natural gas, and coal) and uranium, within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. 
22 
Existing rights over the exploration, development and utilization of natural resources 
23 
shall be respected until the expiration of the corresponding leases, permits, 
24 
franchises or concessions, unless legally terminated. 
76 


1 
SEC. 167. 
Rights Of Indigenous Peoples Over Natural Resources. -
The 
4 
Bangsamoro Parliament shall enact a law recognizing the rights of indigenous 
3 
peoples in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in relation to natural resources 
4 
within the territories covered by a native titie, including their share in revenues, as 
5 
provided in this Basic Law, and preferential rights in the exploration, development 
6 
and utilization of such natural resources within their area. 
7 
No ancestral domains and lands shall be opened for exploration or extraction nor any 
8 
poliCies, projects, programs, research or plans be implemented without the free and 
9 
prior informed consent of the indigenous people concerned, pursuant to RA No. 8371 
10 
or the IPRA of 1997. 
11 
SEC. 168. Financial and Technical Assistance Agreements. - The applications for 
12 
Financial and 
Technical Assistance Agreements (FTAAS) covering 
mineral 
13 
resources within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region shall be filed with the 
14 
Bangsamoro Regional Government which shall make recommendations to the 
15 
President. 
16 
The manner by which the Bangsamoro Regional Government shall make the 
17 
recommendation shall be in accordance with the mining policy that shall be adopted 
18 
by the Bangsamoro Parliament. 
19 
SEC. 169. 
Regulation Of Small-Scale Mining. -
Small-scale mining shall be 
20 
regulated by the Bangsamoro Regional Government to the end that the ecological 
21 
balance, safety and health, and the interests of the affected communities, the miners, 
22 
the indigenous peoples, and the local government units of the place where such 
23 
operations are conducted are duly protected and safeguarded. 
77 


1 
SEC. 
170. 
Legislating Benefits, Compensation For Victims And Communities 
2 
Adversely Affected By Mining And Other Activities That Harness Natural Resources. 
3 
-
The Bangsamoro Parliament shall enact laws for the benefit and welfare of the 
4 
inhabitants injured, harmed or adversely affected by the harnessing of natural and 
5 
mineral resources in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. Such laws may include 
6 
payment of just compensation to and relocation of the people and rehabilitation of 
7 
the areas adversely affected by the harnessing of natural and mineral resources 
8 
mentioned above. 
9 
The Bangsamoro Parliament may, by law, require the persons, natural or juridical, 
10 
responsible for causing the harm or injury mentioned above to bear the costs of 
11 
compensation, relocation and rehabilitation mentioned above wholly or partially. 
12 
SEC. 171. 
Bangsamoro Small Scale Mining Policy. - Policies on small scale shall 
13 
be drawn up by the Bangsamoro Parliament in accordance with its comprehensive 
14 
sustainable Bangsamoro Autonomous Region development plan, as well as its over-
15 
all medium-term and long-term Bangsamoro Autonomous Region development plan. 
16 
SEC. 172. 
Agriculture, Fisheries, And Aquatic Resources. -
The Bangsamoro 
17 
Regional Government's policies and laws on agriculture, fisheries, and aquatic 
18 
resources shall advance agriculture as a key development strategy, promote 
19 
productivity measures, and provide support for farmers and fishers especially small 
20 
landholders and marginal fishers. 
21 
TRADE AND INDUSTRY 
22 
SEC. 173. 
Trade and Industry In The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. - The 
23 
Bangsamoro Regional Government recognizes the private sector as a mover of 
24 
trade, commerce, and industry. It shall encourage and support the building up of 
78 


1 
entrepreneurial capability in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region and shall 
2 
recognize, promote, and protect cooperatives. 
3 
The Bangsamoro Regional Government shall promote trade and industry in the 
4 
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region by providing avenues through which other 
5 
countries can learn about its unique industries, economic opportunities and culture 
6 
through participation in trade missions, trade fairs, and other promotional activities. It 
7 
may also organize trade miss·lons to other countries observing the necessary 
8 
coordination with the relevant government agencies. 
9 
The Bangsamoro Regional Government shall also promote domestic trade 
10 
preference for goods produced and materials sourced from within the Bangsamoro 
11 
Autonomous Region and adopt measures to increase their competitiveness. The 
12 
Bangsamoro Regional Government shall also ensure that Bangsamoro Autonomous 
13 
Region's products and services gain considerable access to the markets of its 
14 
trading partners, and particular attention should also be given to the markets of its 
15 
trading partners who have historic and cultural ties to the Bangsamoro Autonomous 
16 
Region. 
17 
The Bangsamoro Regional Government shall provide technical and skills training 
18 
programs, create livelihood and job opportunities, and allocate equitable preferential 
19 
rights to its inhabitants. In this regard, the Bangsamoro Parliament shall adopt laws 
20 
that will safeguard the rights of workers; Provided, that these laws shall expand, 
21 
improve upon or enhance these rights provided herein. 
22 
SEC. 174. Traditional Barter Trade And Countertrade - The Bangsamoro Regional 
23 
Government shall regulate traditional barter trade and counter-trade with Indonesia, 
24 
Malaysia or Brunei. The goods or items that are traded with the said countries shall 
25 
not be sold elsewhere in the country without payment of appropriate customs or 
79 


1 
import duties. The Bangsamoro Regional Government shall ensure compliance with 
2 
national standards and safety product standards requirements. The Department of 
3 
Finance (DOF) shall, in consultation with the Bangsamoro Regional Government, 
4 
promulgate the rules to govern traditional barter trade and counter-trade within six (6) 
5 
months from the approval of this Basic Law. 
6 
SEC. 175. Economic Zones, Industrial Estates And Free Ports. - The Bangsamoro 
7 
Regional Government may apply with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority 
8 
(PEZA) for the establishment of economic zones, industrial estates and free ports in 
9 
the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in accordance with the standards under 
10 
existing national laws. 
The Bangsamoro Regional Government and the National 
11 
Government shall cooperate on customs, immigration, quarantine service including 
12 
the attendant international commitments thereto, to implement and make fully 
13 
operational such economic zones, industrial estates, and free ports within one (1) 
14 
year from their establishment. Business and other enterprises operating within the 
15 
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region economic zones, industrial estates and free ports 
16 
shall be entitled to the fiscal incentives and other benefits provided by the National 
17 
Government to special economic zones. The Bangsamoro Regional Government 
18 
shall implement the fiscal incentives and other benefits to investors in economic 
19 
zones, industrial estates and free ports. Bangsamoro Autonomous Region free ports 
20 
shall be contiguous/adjacent to a seaport or airport. the area of coverage of a free 
21 
port may be so much as may be necessary of that portion of the constituent local 
22 
government unitls of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, subject to such 
23 
additional criteria as the Bangsamoro Parliament may provide in law for that 
24 
purpose. Existing free ports in the ARMM are hereby transferred to the Bangsamoro 
25 
Regional Government. 
26 
SEC. 176. Prohibition Against Toxic Or Hazardous Substances. - The Bangsamoro 
27 
Regional Government shall assist the National Government in regulating, restricting 
80 


1 
or prohibiting the use, importation, transit, transport, deposit, disposal, and dumping 
2 
of toxic or hazardous substances within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. It 
3 
shall, in the same manner, assist the National Government in regulating activities 
4 
that may adversely impact the environment and may be harmful to health, safety and 
5 
welfare of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region 
6 
SEC. 177. Ha/al-Certifying Body; Halal Campaign Program. -
The Bangsamoro 
7 
Regional Government shall have the power to accredit one (1) halal-certifying body 
8 
in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. It shall promote awareness through the 
9 
development and implementation of a halal campaign program. 
10 
BANKING AND FINANCE 
11 
SEC. 178. 
Banks And Financial Institutions. -
The Bangsamoro Regional 
12 
Government shall encourage the establishment of: 
(a) banks and financial 
13 
institutions and their branches; and (b) off-shore banking units of foreign banks within 
14 
the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, and principles of the Islamic banking system. 
15 
SEC. 179. Islamic Banking And Finance. - The Bangsamoro Regional Government, 
16 
the BSP, OOF and the NCMF shall jointly promote the development of an Islamic 
17 
banking and finance system, to include among others the establishment of a Shari'ah 
18 
supervisory board. 
19 
To facilitate the establishment of an Islamic banking and finance system, the National 
20 
Government and the Bangsamoro Regional Governments shall review existing 
21 
market 
environment 
and 
policies 
and 
adopt 
measures 
to 
enhance 
the 
22 
competitiveness of Islamic finance products and that Islamic financial players shall 
23 
not be prohibited from introducing Islamic finance products. It shall further promote 
24 
investor awareness and acceptance in order to build a broader customer and asset 
81 


1 
base. Towards this end, the appropriate agencies of the National Government shall 
2 
be authorized to issue rules and regulations to achieve the said objectives. 
3 
Islamic bank may be established as may be authorized by the BSP. The BSP may 
4 
also authorize 
banks primarily engaged in conventional banking 
to engage in 
5 
Islamic banking arrangements, including structures, transactions and practices, 
6 
through Islamic banking windows, each Islamic bank and conventional bank with 
7 
Islamic banking windows may establish branches or other offices at such places in 
8 
the Philippines or abroad subject to aplicable laws, rules and regulations of the BSP. 
9 
The BSP shall have supervision over the operations of and exercise regulatory 
10 
powers over Islamic bank and conventional banks engaging in Islamic finance 
11 
through Islamic banking windows. For the purposes provided in this paragraph, the 
12 
BSP shall issue the implementing rules and regulations. 
13 
TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNICATIONS 
14 
SEC. 180. 
Transportation And Communications. -
The Bangsamoro Regional 
15 
Government shall continue to exercise such powers, functions and responsibilities 
16 
that have been devolved or decentralized to the ARMM. 
17 
The Bangsamoro Regional Government shall give priority to the establishment of 
18 
transportation and communications facilities to expedite the economic development 
19 
in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. 
20 
ARTICLE XIII 
21 
NORMALIZATION, REHABILITATION AND DEVELOPMENT 
22 
SEC. 181. 
Policy. - The Bangsamoro Regional Government shall promote and 
23 
pursue a permanent, continuing and intensive policy and program of normalization of 
82 


1 
its communities, and a perpetual commitment to the utilization of peaceful and 
2 
orderly, inclusive and democratic means and methods in order to achieve the 
3 
development objectives of the Bangsamoro Regional Government and of the people, 
4 
consistent with Article XII of this Basic Law. 
5 
SEC. 182. 
Normalization Of Communities. - Normalization shall mean a process 
6 
whereby communities within the Bangsamoro can achieve their desired quality of life, 
7 
which includes the pursuit of sustainable livelihood and political participation within a 
8 
peaceful deliberative society. " aims to insure human security in the Bangsamoro, 
9 
and helps build a society that is committed to basic human rights where individuals 
10 
are free from fear of violence or crime and where long-held traditions and values 
11 
continue to be honored. 
12 
Normalization shall be the joint responsibility of the National Government and the 
13 
Bangsamoro Regional Government. 
14 
SEC. 183. DecommisSioning Of Forces. - Decommissioning of forces, both of the 
15 
combatants and civilians, is an indispensable component of normalization, which is 
·16 
an integrated process that includes activities aimed at achieving a smooth transition 
17 
towards productive civilian life. Thus, it shall necessarily embrace the internationally 
18 
accepted principles and process of disarmament, demobilization, reinsertion and 
19 
reintegration, in accordance with the standards developed by the United Nations, as 
20 
follows: 
21 
a) Disarmament - The collection, documentation, control and disposal of small arms, 
22 
ammunition, explosives and light and heavy weapons of combatants and often also 
23 
of the civilian population. Disarmament also Includes the development of responsible 
24 
arms management programs. 
83 


1 
b) Demobilization - The formal and controlled discharge of active combatants from 
2 
armed forces or other armed groups. The first stage of demobilization may extend 
3 
from the processing of individual combatants in temporary centres to the massing of 
4 
troops in camps designated for this purpose (cantonment sites, encampments, 
5 
assembly areas or barracks). The second stage of demobilization encompasses the 
6 
support package provided to the demobilized, which is called reinsertion. 
7 
c) Reinsertion - The assistance offered to ex-combatants during demobilization but 
8 
prior to the longer-term process of reintegration. Reinsertion is a form of transitional 
9 
assistance to help cover the basic needs of ex-combatants and their families and can 
10 
include transitional safety allowances, food, clothes, shelter, medical services, short-
11 
term education, training, employment and tools. While reintegration is a long-term, 
12 
continuous social and economic process of development, reinsertion is short-term 
13 
material and/or financial assistance to meet immediate needs, and can last up to one 
14 
year. 
15 
d) Reintegration - The process by which ex-combatants acquire civilian status and 
16 
gain sustainable employment and income. Reintegration is essentially a social and 
17 
economic process with an open timeframe, primarily taking place in communities at 
18 
the local level. It is part of the general development of the country and a national 
19 
responsibility, and often necessitates long-term external assistance. 
20 
Decommissioning of forces shall be implemented and supervised by the presently 
21 
constituted Independent Decommissioning Body (lOB), which shall continue to 
22 
perform its mandate and functions pursuant to the Annex on Normalization, the 
23 
Program for Normalization, and the lOB's Terms of Reference, in so far as may be 
24 
consistent with the provisions of this Basic Law. 
84 


1 
The lOB shall convene at least once every quarter for the purpose of monitoring the 
2 
progress of the decommissioning process, and of assessing and evaluating changes 
3 
in the circumstances, with a view to ensure the completion and accomplishment of all 
4 
the phases thereof. In addition, the lOB shall perform the following duties and 
5 
functions: 
6 
1) 
In coordination with the Joint Coordinating Committees on Cessation of 
7 
Hostilities (JCCCH), the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG) and the International 
8 
Monitoring Team (IMT), visit and conduct ocular inspections of combatants' camps, 
9 
to obtain essential information and to verify, among others, the inventory of MILF 
10 
combatants, weapons and camps; 
11 
2) To obtain from the AFP its inventory of MILF combatants, weapons and camps 
12 
based upon their latest intelligence; 
13 
3) 
Submit to the President and Congress quarterly reports on the progress of the 
14 
decommissioning process, as well as a final report upon completion and 
15 
accomplishment of its tasks and responsibilities; 
16 
4) 
Develop and implement, when necessary, a revised schedule to accelerate the 
17 
process of decommissioning of forces consistent with the provisions of this Basic 
18 
Law; 
19 
5) Evaluate and recommend to the President ex-combatants qualified for amnesty, 
20 
subject to the concurrence of Congress; 
21 
6) Coordinate and request assistance from National Government agencies and local 
22 
government units; and 
85 


1 
7) 
Perform such other functions as are vital and necessary to complete and 
2 
accomplish all its tasks in the decommissioning of forces. 
3 
In order to ensure the effective discharge by the lOB of its mandate and functions 
4 
and to facilitate the accomplishment of all its objectives, the Government of the 
5 
Philippines (GPH) and MILF panels, the JCCCH, the AHJAG and the IMT shall 
6 
coordinate with and assist one another to provide the lOB unrestricted access to 
7 
MILF and other combatants' camps and premises, and other essential and material 
8 
information. 
9 
SEC. 
184. 
Rehabilitation And Development. -
Without prejudice to Article XI, 
10 
Section 142 of this Basic Law, the Bangsamoro Regional Government shall, as part 
11 
of the normalization process, pursue an intensive program of rehabilitation, 
12 
reconstruction and development of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, with 
13 
sufficient funding support from the National Government. In accordance with Article 
14 
XII, Section 161 hereof, the Bangsamoro Regional Government shall formulate and 
15 
implement a comprehensive plan and program for rehabilitation and development 
16 
that will holistically address the needs and uplift the welfare of all the inhabitants in 
17 
the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, including those of the combatants, auxiliary 
18 
forces, including civilian armed groups, their families, and internally displaced 
19 
persons. 
20 
ARTICLE XIV 
21 
PLEBISCITE 
22 
SEC. 185. Establishment Of The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. -
The 
23 
establishment of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region and the determination of the 
24 
Bangsamoro geographical area shall take effect upon ratification of this Basic Law by 
86 


1 
majority of the votes cast in the following provinces and cities in a plebiscite 
2 
conducted for the purpose. 
3 
a. the present geographical area of the ARMM; 
4 
b. the cities of Cotabato and Isabela; and 
5 
c. those qualified for inclusion in the plebiscite, by way of resolution or petition. 
6 
SEC. 186. 
Date Of Plebiscite - The plebiscite shall be conducted, as far as 
7 
practicable, within one hundred eighty (180) days from the effectivity of this Basic 
8 
Law. 
9 
For this purpose, the COMELEC shall undertake the necessary steps to enable the 
10 
holding of the plebiscite within the said period. 
11 
SEC. 187. Results Of The Plebiscite. - (a) For the present geographic area of the 
12 
ARMM: If the majority of the registered voters in each province and city vote in favor 
13 
of the Bangsamoro Basic Law, the respective provinces and cities shall be included 
14 
in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. 
15 
(b) For the cities of Cotabato and Isabela: If the majority of the registered voters in 
16 
each of these cities vote in favor of the Basic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous 
17 
Region, the respective cities shall be included in the Bangsamoro Autonomous 
18 
Region. 
19 
(c) For all other contiguous provinces or cities outside the present ARMM, where 
20 
there is a resolution of the province or city or a petition of at least ten percent (10%) 
21 
of the registered voters in the said local government unit asking for their inclusion at 
22 
least two months prior to the conduct of the ratification of the Bangsamoro Basic 
23 
Law: If the majority of the registered voters in each of these provinces or cities vote 
87 


1 
in favor of the Bangsamoro Basic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, the 
2 
respective province or city shall be included In the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. 
3 
SEC, 188. Plebiscite Question. - The question to be asked of the voters in the 
4 
plebiscite shall be as follows: "Do you approve of the Basic Law for the Bangsamoro 
5 
Autonomous Region?" 
6 
SEC. 189. 
Plebiscite Monitoring. -
The COMELEC shall also provide for the 
7 
accreditation of plebiscite monitors, including the international-domestic monitoring 
8 
body created by the GPH and the MILF negotiating panels, in accordance with 
9 
established international standards on election monitoring. The monitoring body shall 
10 
have access to all operations related to the conduct of the plebiscite and be able to 
11 
conduct regular and random checks. The reports of the monitoring body shall be 
12 
made available to the panels for their disposition. 
13 
SEC. 190. 
Registered Voters. - All registered voters in the provinces and cities 
14 
mentioned in Section 184 hereof shall be qualified to participate in the plebiscite on 
15 
the establishment of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. Notwithstanding existing 
16 
laws, rules, and regulations on overseas and local absentee voters, the COMELEC 
17 
shall ensure that qualified voters for the plebiscite who are located outside the 
18 
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region on the date of the plebiscite shall be given the 
19 
opportunity to vote. Voters who are currently registered outside the areas specified 
20 
but are otherwise qualified to be registered voters of the areas and are likewise 
21 
compliant with residency requirements under law, shall be given the opportunity to 
22 
transfer their registration accordingly, in time for the conduct of the plebiscite. 
23 
The COMELEC shall promulgate rules necessary for the conduct of plebiscite, 
24 
including those for the accreditation of plebiscite monitors and voluntary inclusion in 
25 
the plebiscite as provided herein, within thirty (30) days from the effectivity of this 
88 


1 
Basic Law, with the primary objective of optimizing the opportunity for participation in 
2 
the plebiscite of qualified voters in the areas specified for the creation of the 
3 
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. 
4 
SEC. 191. Information Campaigns. - The COMELEC shall supervise the conduct of 
5 
information campaigns on the plebiscite, including sectoral campaigns for indigenous 
6 
communities, women, youth, religious, professionals and public and private sector 
7 
employees, in every municipality, city, and province Where the plebiscite is held. 
8 
Public conferences, assemblies, or meetings on dates before the plebiscite day itself 
9 
shall be held to inform the inhabitants thereof regarding the significance and 
10 
meaning of the plebiscite and to help them to cast their votes intelligently. Free, full, 
11 
and constructive discussion and exchange of Views on the issues shall be 
12 
encouraged. 
13 
For this purpose, the assistance of persons of known probity and knowledge may be 
14 
enlisted by the COMELEC, the local government units or interested parties to act as 
15 
speakers or resource persons. 
16 
Such campaign shall be without prejudice to other information dissemination and 
17 
public advocacy initiatives by the other government or non-government groups or 
18 
individuals. 
19 
For information campaigns and other public advocacy initiatives with indigenous 
20 
communities, local leaders shall be engaged to lead discussions in their respective 
21 
communities. 
22 
Public advocacy initiatives shall be conducted within the framework of solidarity, 
23 
cooperation, and unity among Moro, Non-Moro, indigenous, and settler communities. 
89 


1 
Consultations shall give due respect to the roles of indigenous and Moro women, 
2 
and encourage their active participation. 
3 
SEC. 192. 
Appropriation. - A sufficient amount is hereby appropriated for the 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
11 
12 
13 
14 
15 
16 
17 
18 
19 
20 
21 
22 
23 
requirements of the conduct of the plebiscite, including the monitoring, information 
campaign. The COMELEC shall determine the manner of campaigning and the 
deputization of government agencies for the purpose. 
SEC. 193. 
Ratification Of Basic Law. -
The Basic Law for the Bangsamoro 
Autonomous Region shall be deemed ratified upon proclamation of the COMELEC or 
its duly authorized officers that a majority of the votes cast in the plebiSCite in the 
constituent units are in favor of the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. 
The fact of ratification shall be confirmed by the GPH and MI LF negotiating panels. 
SEC. 194. 
Abolition Of The ARMM. - Upon the ratification of this Basic Law, the 
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region shall be deemed established, and the ARMM shall 
be deemed abolished, in accordance with the provisions of the succeeding Article. 
ARTICLE XV 
TRANSITION PERIOD 
SEC. 195. Transition Period. - The transition or interim period for the establishment 
of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region shall commence upon ratification of this 
Basic Law, and shall end upon the dissolution of the Bangsamoro Transition 
Authority (BTA), as provided under this Article. 
The period of transition herein defined shall be without prejudice to the initiation or 
continuation of other measures that may be required by post-conflict transition and 
normalization even beyond the term of the BT A. 
90 


1 
The Council of Leaders as provided in Section 27 hereof shall also be organized 
2 
during the transition period. 
3 
SEC. 196. 
Bangsamoro Transition Authority. -
There is hereby created a 
4 
Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) which shall be the interim government or the 
5 
governing body in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region during the transition period. 
6 
The BTA shall be composed of sixty (60) members. The BTA shall be composed of 
7 
all the incumbent members of the ARMM Regional Legislative Assembly who shall 
8 
serve in the BTA until the expiration of their term. The rest of the BTA members shall 
9 
be appointed by the President from a list of nominees that shall be inclusive and 
10 
representative of other essential stakeholders in the Bangsamoro Autonomous 
11 
Region, such as but not limited to the Mora National Liberation Front (MNLF), Non-
12 
Moro inhabitants, and other important sectors of the Bangsamoro Autonomous 
13 
Region, including women groups, settler communities and the like. 
14 
The MILF, being the principal party to the Comprehensive Agreement on the 
15 
Bangsamoro, shall enjoy preference in the appointment to the BTA, both in its 
16 
leadership and membership. 
17 
Immediately upon the ratification of this Basic Law, the names of the nominees to the 
18 
BTA shall be submitted to the Office of the President. 
19 
SEC. 197. 
Powers And Authorities. -
Legislative and executive powers in the 
20 
Bangsamoro Regional Government during transition shall be vested in the BTA as 
21 
herein provided. Executive authority shall be exercised by the interim Chief Minister 
22 
to be appointed by the President from among the members of the BTA, while 
23 
legislative authority shall be exercised by the BTA. 
91 


1 
All devolved authorities shall be vested In the BTA during the transition period. 
2 
The BTA shall be deemed as the Bangsamoro Regional Government for the duration 
3 
of the transition period. 
4 
SEC. 198. Functions And Priorities. - The BTA shall ensure the accomplishment of 
5 
the following priorities during the transition period: 
6 
a. Organization of the bureaucracy of the Bangsamoro Regional Government during 
7 
transition, including the approval and implementation of a transition plan, and the 
8 
institution of a placement process for hiring of personnel during transition. This shall 
9 
also include the setting up of offices and other institutions necessary for the 
10 
continued functioning of government and delivery of social services in the region, as 
11 
well as those necessary for the smooth operations of the first elected Bangsamoro 
12 
Regional Government; 
13 
b. Phase-out of the ARMM, transfer of powers and properties of the ARMM Regional 
14 
Government to the Bangsamoro Regional Government, and the disposition of 
15 
personnel, as provided in this Basic Law; and 
16 
c. Other matters that may be necessary for the transition from the ARMM Regional 
17 
Government to the Bangsamoro Regional Government, as provided in this Basic 
18 
Law. 
19 
SEC. 199. Transition Plan. - Within the first sixty (60) days of the transition period, 
20 
the interim Chief Minister shall submit to the BTA a transition plan that shall contain 
21 
the proposed organizational plan, the gradual phase-out of the ARMM, including the 
22 
schedules and timeline therefor. The proposed transition plan shall be approved by 
92 


1 
the BTA within ten (10) days upon submission by the interim Chief Minister, and shall 
2 
be implemented within fifteen (15) days from its approval. 
3 
SEC. 200. Interim Officers. - The interim Chief Minister shall organize the interim 
4 
Cabinet and shall appoint an interim Deputy Chief Minister, who shall also be a 
5 
member of the BTA. The interim Chief Minister shall also appoint such other 
6 
ministers as may be necessary to perform the functions of government during 
7 
transition, a majority of whom shall be from among members of the BTA. 
8 
Members of the BTA who are appointed to cabinet positions shall serve their offices 
9 
concurrently: Provided, That no member of the BTA may be appointed or elected to, 
10 
or otherwise hold more than two (2) positions at the same time. 
11 
Any apPOintment made during the transition period shall be temporary and co-
12 
terminus with the BTA. 
13 
SEC. 201. 
Interim Cabinet. - The interim Cabinet shall be composed of ten (10) 
14 
primary offices with sub-offices for matters covered and priority ministries, namely: 
15 
a. Governance, in charge of budget and finance, accountability, and such similar 
16 
or related matters; 
17 
b. Social services, in charge of social welfare, and such similar or related matters; 
18 
c. Development, in charge of transportation and communications, regional 
19 
investments, trade and industry, agriculture, forestry and environment, urban 
20 
and rural development, and such similar or related matters; 
21 
d. Education; 


1 
e. Public order and safety; 
2 
f. 
Indigenous peoples affairs; 
3 
g. Health; 
4 
h. Public works; 
5 
i. 
Local government; and 
6 
j. 
Finance. 
7 
The BTA may empower the interim Chief Minister to create other ministries and 
8 
primary offices, upon a determination of the majority of its members that the same is 
9 
necessary for achieving the twin goals of continuity of social services and 
10 
transitioning to the regular Bangsamoro Regional Government. 
11 
SEC. 202. Organization Of The Bureaucracy. - The authority of the BTA to create 
12 
offices and organize the bureaucracy during transition is without prejudice to the 
13 
authority of the Bangsamoro Regional Government to reorganize the bureaucracy 
14 
upon its constitution, or any time thereafter. In the exercise of this authority, the BTA 
15 
shall ensure the least possible disruption to the functioning of government and the 
16 
continuous delivery of services in the region, during and after the transition period. 
17 
All offices and institutions created by laws enacted by the ARMM Regional 
18 
Legislative Assembly shall be deemed part of the ARMM Government and shall be 
19 
subject to the phase-out plan that will be adopted by the BT A. 
20 
SEC. 203. Transfer Of Powers And Properties And Disposition Of Personnel. - All 
21 
powers, functions, assets, capital, receivables, eqUipment and facilities of the ARMM 
22 
Regional Government at the time of the ratification of this Basic Law shall be 
23 
transferred to the Bangsamoro Regional Government. 


1 
However, all lands and permanent buildings or structures owned by or belonging to 
2 
the ARMM Regional Government located In the provinces and cities not forming part 
3 
of ARMM and not purchased by the National Government, as mandated by Article 
4 
XVIII, Section 1 of RA 9054, shall be turned over, delivered and entrusted by the 
5 
ARMM Regional Government to the National Government immediately upon 
6 
effectivity of this Basic Law. Within three (3) months thereafter, the National 
7 
Government shall acquire and pay for all of said properties, with the proceeds thereof 
8 
to be directly remitted to the Bangsamoro Regional Government upon ratification of 
9 
this Basic Law. The acqUisition price shall be determined by a Special Valuation 
10 
Committee to be composed of: a) the Executive Secretary, as chairman; b) the 
11 
Secretary of Budget and Management; c) the ARMM Regional Governor; d) the 
12 
Chairman of the House Ad Hoc Committee on the Bangsamoro Basic Law; and e) 
13 
the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Government. Any dispute on the 
14 
price of the said properties may be elevated to the President of the Philippines, who 
15 
shall decide thereon with finality within three (3) months from receipt of the appeal. 
16 
The National Government shall within three (3) months from its acquisition of said 
17 
lands, buildings and structures sell, transfer and convey the said properties to the 
18 
local government unit having territorial Jurisdiction over the same and willing to 
19 
purchase such properties or portions thereof, at a price to be agreed upon by the 
20 
National Government and the local government unit concerned. 
21 
The BTA shall schedule the gradual phasing out of offices of the ARMM, which are 
22 
deemed abolished upon the ratification of the Bangsamoro Basic Law. In 
23 
consideration of public interest and the delivery of services, officials holding 
24 
appointive positions shall continue to perform their functions in accordance with the 
25 
schedule. 


1 
The National Government shall provide the necessary funds for the benefits and 
2 
entitlements of affected employees in the ARMM, as provided under Section 204 
3 
hereof. 
4 
The BTA shall institute an independent, strictly merit-based and credible placement 
5 
and hiring process for all offices, agencies and institutions in the Bangsamoro 
6 
Autonomous Region, and shall consider gender and ethnic balance. 
7 
An inventory will be conducted to ensure that the liabilities of the ARMM under law, 
8 
contracts or others will be settled prior to the turnover to the BT A. 
9 
For this purpose, the Office of the Regional Governor of the ARMM shall turn over to 
10 
the BTA upon the latter's creation a summary report on the status of the Regional 
11 
Government as of the date of the ratification of this Basic Law, including information 
12 
on the status of devolution, personnel, properties and assets of the Regional 
13 
Government. 
14 
SEC. 204. Disposition Of Personnel And Assets Of National Government Agencies 
15 
And Offices. - In accordance with the subsequent section, the National Government 
16 
shall provide for the disposition of personnel of National Government agencies and 
17 
offices whose mandate and functions are transferred to or now vested in the 
18 
Bangsamoro Regional Government by virtue of this Basic Law. Properties and assets 
19 
shall be transferred to the Bangsamoro Regional Government within six (6) weeks 
20 
from the organization of tile BTA. The transfer of properties and assets is without 
21 
prejudice to the power of the BTA to organize the bureaucracy during transition 
22 
period. 
23 
SEC. 205. 
Protection of Security or TO/lure As A Consequence Of Government 
24 
Reorganization - The reorganization of the bureaucracy as a consequence of the 
96 


1 
establishment of the Bangsamoro Regional Government and the consequent 
2 
disposition of the affected personnel of the National Government and the ARMM 
3 
Regional Government shall comply with the provisions of RA 6656, otherwise known 
4 
as the "Act to Protect the Security of Tenure of Civil Service Officers And Employees 
5 
in the Implementation of Government Reorganization". 
6 
SEC. 206. Interruption In Length Of SelVice. - The gap in the length of service by 
7 
reason of involuntary separation of an employee as a consequence of the 
8 
reorganization of the Bangsamoro Regional Government shall not interrupt the 
9 
continuity of the employee's service. 
10 
Employees who were involuntarily separated as a consequence of the reorganization 
11 
but who are subsequently absorbed or rehired by the regular Bangsamoro Regional 
12 
Government shall retain their seniority rights, compensation levels, and other 
13 
benefits. 
14 
SEC. 207. 
Dissolution Of The BTA -
Immediately upon the qualification of the 
15 
elected Chief Minister under the first Bangsamoro Parliament, the BTA shall be 
16 
deemed dissolved. 
17 
The BTA shall submit its final report and recommendations to the Bangsamoro 
18 
Parliament, as well as to the House of Representatives and the Senate, on the status 
19 
of government during the transition period within sixty (60) days from the assumption 
20 
into office of all Members of the first Parliament. 
21 
SEC. 208. First And Regular Elections. - The first elections for the Bangsamoro 
22 
Regional Government under this Basic Law shall be held within one hundred eighty 
23 
(180) days after the ratification of the l3angsamoro Basic Law. The next regular 
24 
elections shall be held on the first Monday of May 2019, and every three years 
97 


1 
thereafter, The elections shall be governed by the Omnibus Election Code of the 
2 
Philippines (Batas Pambansa Big 881, ilS amended) The COMELEC, through the 
3 
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region Electoral Office, shall promulgate rules and 
4 
regulations as may be necessary for the conduct of said elections, and enforce and 
5 
administer the same, consistent with this Gasic Law, the Omnibus Election Code, and 
6 
other relevant national laws, 
7 
SEC. 209, 
Beginning Of Terms And /\ssumption Of Office, - The terms of the 
8 
Members of the Parliament first elected under this Gasle Law shall begin at noon of 
9 
the thirtieth (30Ih) day after the date of elections. The Members of the Parliament 
10 
elected in such first elections shall serve until noon of the thirtieth (30Ih) of June 2019. 
11 
In the subsequent regular elections, the elected Members of the Parliament shall 
12 
begin their terms at noon of the thirtieth (30"') of June following their election, 
13 
SEC. 210, 
Initial Funding For Transition, -
To carry out the requirements of 
14 
transition, including the organizational activities of the BTA, organization of the 
15 
bureaucracy, hiring of personnel, and the exercise of functions and powers of the 
16 
BTA, as provided in this Basic Law, the amount of One Billion Pesos 
17 
(1,000,000,000,00) is hereby appropriated for the BTA, charged against the general 
18 
funds of the National Government. In addition, the current year's appropriations for 
19 
the ARMM shall also be transferred to the BTA for this purpose 
20 
This shall be without prejudice to any supplemental budget that may be appropriated 
21 
by Congress to support the transition 
22 
Government functions falling within the reserved powers of the National Government 
23 
in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region shall continue to be financed by the National 
24 
Government. 
98 


1 
ARTICLE XVI 
2 
AMENDMENTS AND REVISIONS 
3 
SEC. 211. 
Amendments And Revisions. - All proposals to amend or revise the 
4 
provisions of this Basic Law shall be endorsed by the Bangsamoro Parliament to 
5 
Congress for prior hearings and due enactment into law. 
6 
Such amendment or revision, as enacted by Congress, shall become effective upon 
7 
approval by a majority vote of qualified voters in the Bangsamoro Autonomous 
8 
Region cast in a plebiscite called for the purpose. 
9 
The plebiscite shall be held not earlier than sixty (60) days or later than ninety (90) 
10 
days after the approval of such amendment or revision. 
11 
ARTICLE XVII 
12 
FINAL PROVISIONS 
13 
SEC. 212. 
Separability Clause. - The provisions of this Basic Law are deemed 
14 
separate. If, for any reason, any section or provision of this Basic Law is declared 
15 
unconstitutional, other sections or provisions, which are not affected by such 
16 
declaration shall continue to be in full force and effect. 
17 
SEC. 213. Repealing Clause. - RA Nos 9054 and 6734, as well as all laws, decrees, 
18 
orders, rules and regulations, and other issuances or parts thereof, which are 
19 
inconsistent with this Basic Law, are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
20 
SEC. 214. 
Subsisting Regional Laws - All subsisting laws enacted by the Regional 
21 
Legislative Assembly of the ARMM by virtue of authorities provided under RA 6734, 
99 


1 
as amended by RA 9054, shall be deemed in effect, unless inconsistent with this 
2 
Basic Law or subsequently amended or repealed by laws passed by the Bangsamoro 
3 
Parliament. 
4 
SEC. 215. Effectivity Clause. - This Basic Law shall take effect fifteen (15) days 
5 
following its complete publication in at least two (2) national newspapers of general 
6 
circulation and one (1) local newspaper of general circulation in the autonomous 
7 
region. 
8 
Approved, 
100