Republic of the Philippines Congress of the Philippines Rotca Mails Seventeenth Congress Ghirk Regular Session —1— Begun and held in Metro Manila, on Monday, the twenty-third day of July, two thousand eighteen. [ REPUBLIC AcT No. 11054] AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE ORGANIC LAW FOR THE BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION IN MUSLIM MINDANAO, REPEALING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 6734, ENTITLED “AN ACT PROVIDING FOR AN ORGANIC ACT FOR THE AUTONOMOUS REGION IN MUSLIM MINDANAO,” AS AMENDED BY REPUBLIC ACT NO. 9054, ENTITLED “AN ACT TO STRENGTHEN AND EXPAND THE ORGANIC ACT FOR THE AUTONOMOUS REGION IN MUSLIM MINDANAO” Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:PREAMBLE Imploring the aid of Almighty God, in recognition of the aspirations of the Bangsamoro people and other inhabitants in the autonomous region in Muslim Mindanao to establish an enduring peace on the basis of justice, balanced society and asserting their right to conserve and develop their patrimony, reflective of their system of life as prescribed by their faith, in harmony with their customary laws, cultures and traditions, within the framework of the Constitution and the national sovereignty as well as territorial integrity of the Republic of the Philippines, and the accepted principles of human rights, liberty, justice, democracy, and the norms and standards of international law, and affirming their distinct historical identity and birthright to their ancestral homeland and their right to chart their political future through a democratic process that will secure their identity and posterity, and allow genuine and meaningful self-governance, the Filipino people, by the act of the Congress of the Philippines, do hereby ordain and promulgate this Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. ARTICLE I NAME AND PURPOSE SECTION 1. Short Title. — This law shall be known as the “Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.” SEC. 2. Name. — The political entity under this Organic Law shall be known as the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, hereinafter referred to as the “Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.” SEC. 3. Purpose. — The purpose of this Organic Law is to establish a political entity, provide for its basic structure of government in recognition of the justness and legitimacy of the cause of the Bangsamoro people and the aspirations of Muslim Filipinos and all indigenous cultural communities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to secure their identity and posterity, allowing for meaningfulself-governance within the framework of the Constitution and the national sovereignty as well as territorial integrity of the Republic of the Philippines. ARTICLE II BANGSAMORO IDENTITY SEc. 1. Bangsamoro People. — Those who, at the advent of the Spanish colonization, were considered natives or original inhabitants of Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago and its adjacent islands, whether of mixed or of full blood, shall have the right to identify themselves, their spouses and descendants, as Bangsamoro. Suc. 2. Bangsamoro Symbol. — The Bangsamoro Parliament, hereinafter referred to as the “Parliament,” shall adopt the official flag, emblem, and hymn of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. The flag of the Republic of the Philippines shall always be displayed alongside the Bangsamoro flag. Whenever the Bangsamoro hymn ig sung, it shall always be preceded by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem. ARTICLE III TERRITORIAL JURISDICTION SEC. 1. Territorial Jurisdiction. — Territorial jurisdiction is the land mass as well as the waters over which the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region has jurisdiction, which shall always be an integral, indivisible, and inseparable part of the national territory of the Republic of the Philippines as defined by the Constitution and existing laws. SEC. 2. Composition. — The territorial jurisdiction of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, subject to the plebiscite as provided in Section 3, Article XV of this Organic Law, shall be composed of: @ The present geographical area known as the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao created under Republic Act No. 6734, as amended by Republic Act No. 9054, which shallsubsist as such until this Organic Law is ratified through a plebiscite; (b) The municipalities of Baloi, Munai, Nunungan, Pantar, Tagoloan, and Tangkal in the Province of Lanao del Norte that voted for inclusion in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao during the 2001 plebiscite; © The following thirty-nine (39) barangays in the municipalities of Aleosan, Carmen, Kabacan, Midsayap, Pigkawayan, and Pikit in the Province of North Cotabato that voted for inclusion in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao during the 2001 plebiscite: (1) Dunguan, Lower Mingading, and Tapodoc in the Municipality of Aleosan (3); (2) Manarapan and Nasapian in the Municipality of Carmen (2); (3) Nanga-an, Simbuhay, and Sanggadong in the Municipality of Kabacan (3); (4) Damatulan, Kadigasan, Kadingilan, Kapinpilan, Kudarangan, Central Labas, Malingao, Mudseng, Nabalawag, Olandang, Sambulawan, and Tugal in the Municipality of Midsayap (12); (6) Lower Baguer, Balacayon, Buricain, Datu Binasing, Kadingilan, Matilac, Patot, and Lower Pangangkalan in the Municipality of Pigkawayan (8); and © Bagoinged, Balatican, S. Balong, S. Balongis, Batulawan, Buliok, Gokotan, Kabasalan, Lagunde, Macabual, and Macasendeg in the Municipality of Pikit (11); @ The City of Cotabato; © The City of Isabela in the Province of Basilan; and@ All other contiguous areas where a resolution of the local government unit or a petition of at least ten percent (10%) of the registered voters in the area seeks for their inclusion at least two (2) months prior to the conduct of the ratification of this Organic Law. The establishment of the territorial jurisdiction of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region shall take effect upon ratification of this Organic Law by majority of the votes cast in the abovementioned territorial jurisdiction in a plebiscite conducted for the purpose: Provided, That in all cases, the political units directly affected shall vote favorably im the plebiscite, as provided in Section 3, Article XV of this Organic Law. SEc. 3. Inland Waters. - All inland waters such as lakes, rivers, river systems, and streams within its territorial jurisdiction shall form part of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region inland waters. The preservation and management of the inland waters shall be under the Bangsamoro Government as provided for in Section 22, Article XIII of this Organic Law. SEc. 4. Bangsamoro Municipal and Regional Waters. — ‘The municipal and regional waters of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region shall extend up to fifteen (15) kilometers and nineteen (19) kilometers, respectively, from the low-water mark of the coasts that are part of the Bangsamoro territorial jurisdiction. Where a constituent local government unit of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region and an adjoining local government unit are so situated on opposite shores such that there is thirty (80) kilometers of waters or less between them, a line equally distant from the opposite shores shall be drawn to demarcate the Bangsamoro waters and the municipal waters of the adjoining local government unit. In case the constituent local government unit of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region and an adjoining local government unit are so situated on opposite shores that there is more than thirty (30) kilometers but less than thirty-four (34) kilometers of waters between them, a line shall be drawn at theedge of the fifteen-kilometer municipal waters of the adjoining Jocal government unit to demarcate it from the Bangsamoro waters. SEC. 5. Constituent Units. - The constituent units of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region are the provinces, cities, municipalities, barangays, and geographical areas within its territorial jurisdiction. ARTICLE IV GENERAL PRINCIPLES AND POLICIES Sec. 1. Territorial I ntegrity and Allegiance. ~ The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region is an integral, indivisible, and inseparable part of the territory of the Republic of the Philippines. The Bangsamoro people shall uphold the Constitution as the fundamental law of the land and pnequivocally owe allegiance and fidelity to the Republic of the Philippines. SEC. 2. Self-Governance. — In the exercise of its right to self-governance, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region is free to pursue its political, economic, social, and cultural development as provided for in this Organic Law. \ Sec. 3. Democratic Political System. — The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region shall have a democratic political system that allows its people to freely participate in the political processes within its territorial jurisdiction. The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region shall have a parliamentary form of government. Suc. 4. Electoral System. — The Bangsamoro Government shall adopt an electoral system which shall be consistent with national election laws, allow democratic participation, encourage the formation of genuinely principled political parties, and ensure accountability. | Sgc. 5. Civilian Goa — Governance in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region shall be the responsibility of the duly elected civilian government. Civilian authority is, at all times, supreme over the military. j |SEC. 6. Promotion of Unity. — The Bangsamoro Government shall promote unity, peace, justice, and goodwill among all peoples, as well as encourage a just and peaceful settlement of disputes. SEC. 7. Social Justice. - The Bangsamoro Government shall ensure every Filipino citizen in its territorial jurisdiction the provision of the basic necessities and equal opportunities in life. Social justice shall be promoted in all aspects of life and phases of development in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. Sec. 8. International Treaties and Agreements. — The Bangsamoro Government shall respect and adhere to all international treaties and agreements binding upon the National Government. Sc. 9. Rights of Non-Moro Indigenous Peoples. — The Bangsamoro Government shall recognize and promote the rights of non-Moro indigenous peoples within the framework of the Constitution and national laws. SEC. 10. Freedom of Choice. — The freedom of choice of all peoples within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region shall be respected. Indigenous peoples shall have the freedom to retain their distinct indigenous and ethnic identity in addition to their Bangsamoro political identity. There shall be no discrimination on the basis of identity, religion, and ethnicity. ARTICLE V POWERS OF GOVERNMENT SEc. 1. Powers of the National Government. — All powers, functions, and responsibilities not granted by the Constitution or by national law to the Bangsamoro Government shall be vested in the National Government. SEc. 2. Powers of the Bangsamoro Government. — Subject to Section 20, Article X of the Constitution and this Organic Law, the Bangsamoro Government shall exercise its authority over the following matters without prejudice to the general supervision of the President of the Republic of the Philippines:8 (a) Administration of: a i (®) Administrative organization; © Agriculture, livestock, d food security; @ Ancestral domain and natural resources; © Barter trade and countertrade; @ Budgeting; (g) Business name registration; (a) Cadastral land survey; @ Civil service; | | @ Classification of public Iands &) Cooperatives and social ss ieeceea @ Creation, division, oats abolition or alteration of | boundaries of municipalities and barangays; (m) Creation of government-owned or controlled corporations and pioneer firms; (a) Creation of sources of revenues; (©: Cultural exchange, and economic and technical cooperation; (p) Culture and language; | | @ Customary laws; | (x) Development programs laws for women, labor, the youth, the elderly, the differently-abled, and indigenous peoples; SE EE EE Eee eee Eee eee eee ee ee eee ee eee eee eee eee eee eee eee@ Disaster risk reduction and management; Ecological solid waste management and pollution control; (u) Economic zones, industrial centers, and free ports; (v) Education and skills training; (w) Eminent domain; (x) Environment, parks, forest management, wildlife, and nature reserves conservation; (y) Fishery, marine, and aquatic resources; @ Grants and donations; (aa) Hajj and Umrah; (bb) Health; (cc) Housing and human settlements; (dd) Humanitarian services and institutions; e) Human rights; (& Indigenous peoples’ rights; (gg) Inland waters; (hh) Inland waterways for navigation; Gi) Islamic banking and finance; Gi) Labor, employment, and occupation;| (kk) Libraries and museums, and historical, cultural, and archaeological sites; @) Loans, credits, and other forms of indebtedness; (mm) Mechanisms for cinsultations for women and marginalized sectors; (an) People’s organizations; (eo) Power sector investments; (p) Public utilities’ operations; (qq) Public works and infrastructure; (2) Quarantine regulations; (gs) Registration of births, marriages, and deaths, copies to be furnished the Philippine Statistics Authority; | (tt) Regulation of the manufacture and distribution of food, drinks, drugs, and tobacco; | | (uu) Science and technology, research councils and scholarship programs; (vv) Social services, social welfare, and charities; (ww) Sports and recreation; (xx) Technical cooperation for human resource development; (yy) a ia (@) Trade and industry; (aaa) Urban and rural planning development; |ce (bbb) Urban land reform and land use; and (ccc) Water supply and services, flood control, and irrigation systems. SEc. 3. General Welfare. - The Bangsamoro Government shall exercise the powers expressly granted, those necessarily implied therefrom, as well as powers necessary, appropriate, or incidental for its efficient and effective governance and those which are essential to the promotion of general welfare. Within its territorial jurisdiction, the Bangsamoro Government shall ensure and support, among other things, the preservation and enrichment of culture, promote health and safety, enhance the right of the people to a balanced ecology, encourage and support the development of appropriate and self-reliant scientific and technological capabilities, improve public morals, enhance economic prosperity and social justice, promote full employment among its residents, maintain peace and order, and preserve the comfort and convenience ofits inhabitants. ARTICLE VI INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS SEC. 1. General Supervision. - The President shall exercise general supervision over the Bangsamoro Government to ensure that laws are faithfully executed. The President may suspend the Chief Minister for a period not exceeding six (6) months for willful violation of the Constitution, national laws, or this Organic Law. SEC. 2. Intergovernmental Relations Mechanism. — There is hereby created a National Government-Bangsamoro Government Intergovernmental Relations Body, hereinafter referred to as “Intergovernmental Relations Body,” to coordinate and resolve issues on intergovernmental relations through regular consultation and continuing negotiation in a non-adversarial manner. ‘ The Intergovernmental Relations Body shall exhaust all means to resolve issues brought before it. Unresolved issues shall be elevated to the President, through the Chief Minister.12 The National Government and the Bangsamoro Government shall each appoint representatives to the Intergovernmental Relations Body. The Intergovernmental Relations Body shall be supported by a joint secretariat. SEc. 3. Philippine Congress-Bangsamoro Parliament Forum. — There shall be created a Philippine Congress- Bangsamoro Parliament Forum for purposes of cooperation and coordination of legislative initiatives. SEC. 4. Intergovernmental Fiscal Policy Board. — There is hereby created an Intergove: ntal Fiscal Policy Board that shall address revenue imbalances and fluctuations in regional financial needs and revenue-raising capacity of the Bangsamoro Government, whose functions and composition are provided for in Sections 37 to 38, Article XII of this Organic Law. SEC. 5. Joint Body for the Zones of Joint Cooperation. — There is hereby created a Joint Body for the Zones of Joint Cooperation, which shall be responsible for formulating policies relating to the Zones of Joint Cooperation in the Sulu Sea and Moro Gulf as provided for in Section 19, Article XIII of this Organic Law. | SEC. 6. Intergovernmental Infrastructure Development Board. — There is hereby created an Intergovernmental Infrastructure Development Board, which shall be responsible for coordinating and synchronizing national and Bangsamoro infrastructure development plans. ‘The Intergovernmental Infrastructure Development Board shall be composed of the heads or representatives of the appropriate ministries and offices in the Bangsamoro Government. The National Government shall likewise be represented in the Intergovernmental Infrastructure |Development Board by the Secretary of Public Works and Highways and such other officials as may be necessary to be designated by the Secretary of Public Works and Highways. | |13 Src. 7. Intergovernmental Energy Board. — There is hereby created an Intergovernmental Energy Board. It shall resolve all matters specified in Section 36, Article XIII of this Organic Law and other energy issues referred to it by the Intergovernmental Relations Body. It shall be composed of the representatives of the National Government and the Bangsamoro Government from their respective energy regulatory commissions and electrification administrations. SEc. 8. Bangsamoro Sustainable Development Board. — The Parliament shall create a Bangsamoro Sustainable Development Board composed of representatives from the National Government and the Bangsamoro Government. The Bangsamoro Sustainable Development Board shall ensure the integration and harmonization of economic, social, and environmental considerations as vital dimensions of sustainable development policy and practice in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. The funding support for the Bangsamoro Sustainable Development Board shall be included in the annual budget of the Bangsamoro Government. However, if there are revenues collected from the exploration, development, and utilization of any natural resources within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, a certain percentage of the revenues shall be allocated for the operation of the Bangsamoro Sustainable Development Board, as may be provided in a law to be passed by the Parliament. SEC. 9. Council of Leaders. — There shall be a Council of Leaders that shall advise the Chief Minister on matters of governance in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. It shall consist of the following members: (@) Chief Minister as head of the council; (b) Members of the Congress of the Philippines from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region; {c) Provincial governors, and mayors of chartered cities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region;@ Representatives of traditional leaders, non-Moro indigenous communities, women, settler communities, the Ulama, youth, and Bangsamoro communities outside of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region; and ©) Representatives of other sectors. | The mechanism of representation and number of representatives in paragraphs (d)\and (e) shall be determined by the Parliament. The representation of the non-Moro indigenous communities shall be pursuant to their customary laws and indigenous processes. SEc. 10. Bangsamoro Government and its Constituent Local Government Units. ~ The authority of the Bangsamoro Government to regulate the irs of its constituent local government-units shall be guaranteed in accordance with this Organic Law and a Bangsamoro|local government code to be enacted by the Parliament. The privileges already enjoyed by local government units under Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the “Local Government Code of 1991,” as amended, and other existing laws shall not be diminished. The Parliament may creaté, divide, merge, abolish, or substantially alter boundaries of municipalities or barangays in accordance with a law enacted by the Parliament. The municipalities or barangays created, divided, merged, or whose boundaries are substantially altered, shall be entitled to their appropriate share in the national taxes or Internal Revenue Allotment: Provided, That the criteria laid down in Republic Act No. 7160, as amended, and other national laws shall be satisfied: Provided, further, That it shall be approved by a majority of the votes cast in a plebiscite in the political units directly affected. When such acts require the the Bangsamoro Government shall erate and coordinate with the National Government through the Philippine Congress- Bangsamoro Parliament Forum to prioritize the deliberations on the creation of a legislative district. Nothing in this Organic Law shall be construed to allow the Bangsamoro Government to te legislative districts. | eG15 Sec. 11. Bangsamoro Participation in National Government. — As far as practicable, the Bangsamoro Government shall be represented in the departments, offices, commissions, agencies and bureaus of the National Government that implement and enforce policies, programs, and projects of the National Government in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. SEC. 12. Assistance to Other Bangsamoro Communities. — The National Government shall ensure the protection of the rights of the Bangsamoro people residing in communities outside the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region and undertake programs for their rehabilitation and development. The Bangsamoro Government, in coordination with the local government units where these communities are located and the appropriate national government agencies, shall provide assistance to enhance their economic, social, and cultural development. SEC. 13. National Programs and Projects. — National programs and projects such as the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, Health Facility Enhancement Program, School Building Program, retained hospitals of the Department of Health, PhilHealth, social pension for senior citizens, and the Task Force Bangon Marawi shall continue to be funded by the National Government, without prejudice to the power of the Bangsamoro Government to provide for: Sissi ‘such programs and projects. ARTICLE VII BANGSAMORO GOVERNMENT SEC. 1. Seat of Government. — The Parliament shall fix by law the permanent seat of the Bangsamoro Government anywhere within the territorial jurisdiction of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region taking into consideration accessibility and efficiency in which its mandate may be carried out under this Organic Law. SEc. 2. Powers of Government. — The powers of government shall be vested in the Parliament which shall exercise those powers and functions expressly granted to it in this Organic16 Law, and those necessary for, or incidental to, the proper governance and development of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. It shall set policies, legislate on matters within its authority, and elect a Chief Minister who shall exercise executive authority on its behalf. é SkEc. 3. Legislative Authority. — The Parliament shall have the authority to enact laws on matters that are within the powers and competencies of the Bangsamoro Government. SEC. 4, Executive Authority. — The executive function and authority shall be exercised hy the Cabinet which shall be headed by a Chief Minister. The chat Minister shall be elected by a majority vote of all the members of the Parliament. The Chief Minister shall nominate two (2) Deputy Chief Ministers who shall be elected by the Parliament, as provided for in Section 36 of this Article, and appoint the members of the Cabinet, majority of whom shall cqme from the Parliament. Bangsamoro Parliament SEC. 5. Powers. — The Parliament shall have the following powers: (a) Enact laws to promote, protect, and ensure the general welfare of the Bangsamoro people and other inhabitants in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region; (b) Call for a referendum on important issues affecting the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region; © Enact a law on initiatives; @ Conduct inquiries in aid of legislation in accordance with its rules. The rights of per appearing in or affected by such inquiry shall be respected;17 © Enact a law that allows the Chief Minister, Speaker of the Parliament, and the Presiding Justice of the Shari'ah High Court to augment any item in the general appropriations law for their respective offices from savings in other items of their respective appropriations; © Enact a law within the competencies of the Bangsamoro Government to regulate the grant of regional franchises and concessions, and empower the Chief Minister to grant leases, permits, and licenses over agricultural lands and for forest management; (g) Discipline its members as provided in Section 26, Article VII of this Organic Law; (b) Enact laws declaring Bangsamoro holidays; and @) Beconsulted on matters affecting the environment. SEC. 6. Composition. — The Parliament shall be composed of eighty (80) members, unless otherwise increased by the Congress of the Philippines. SEC. 7. Classification and Allocation of Seats. — The seats in the Parliament shall be classified and allocated as follows: (@) Party Representatives. — One-half of the members of the Parliament shall be representatives of political parties who are elected through a system of proportional representation based on the Bangsamoro territorial jurisdiction. Any organized group in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region may register as a political party with the Bangsamoro Electoral Office, with qualifications to be prescribed by the Bangsamoro Electoral Code. Each registered political party shall submit to the Bangsamoro Electoral Office before the election a manifestation of intent to participate in the parliamentary election of party representatives in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region,18 incorporating therein a list of nominees, ranked from one (1) to forty (40), from which party representatives shall be chosen in case they obtain the required number of votes. No person shall be nominated in more than one (J) list. The number of seats allocated for each political party shall be based proportionately on the percentage of votes obtained by each political party as against the total votes cast in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region for the election of party representatives. Any elected party representative who changes political party affiliation during the representative's term of office shall forfeit the seat in the Parliament: Provided, That if the elected party representative changes political |party affiliation within six (6) months before an election, the e person shall not be eligible for nomination as party representative under the new party or organization. () Parliamentary District Seats. — Not more than forty percent (40%) of the members of the Parliament shall be elected from single member parliament districts apportioned for the areas and in the manner provided for by the Parliament. For the first parliamentary election following the ratification of this Organic Law, the allocation of the parliamentary district seats shall be determined by the Bangsamoro Transition Authority as provided for in Section 4, Article of this Organic Law. In the allocation of district seats, the Bangsamoro Transition Authority shall adhere to the standards set in Section 10, Article VII of this Organic Law. The Parliament may undertake by law new redistricting in order to ensure a more equitable representation of the constituencies in the Parliament. The district representatives shall be elected through direct plurality vote by the registered’ voters in the parliamentary districts. © Reserved Seats and Sectoral Representatives. — Reserved seats and sectoral representatives shall constitute at least ten percent (10%) of the members of the Parliament, which E |19 shall include two (2) reserved seats each for non-Moro indigenous peoples and settler communities. Women, youth, traditional leaders, and the Ulama shall have one sectoral seat each: Provided, That the reserved seats and sectoral representatives shall in no case be less than eight (8) seats. The Parliament shall determine the manner of election of the reserved seats and sectoral representatives. For the first parliamentary election following the ratification of this Organic Law, the allocation of reserved and sectoral representative seats shall be determined by the Bangsamoro Transition Authority as provided for in Section 4, Article XVI of this Organic Law. Src. 8. Election for Reserved Seats for Non-Moro Indigenous Peoples. - Notwithstanding the immediately preceding sections, reserved seats for non-Moro indigenous peoples, such as Teduray, Lambangian, Dulangan Manobo, B'laan, and Higaonon, shall adhere to their customary laws and indigenous processes based on the following: {a) Primacy of customary laws and practices; (b) Primacy of consensus building; © Acceptability to the community; @ Inclusivity and full participation; @ Representation of the collective interests and aspirations of non-Moro indigenous peoples; © Sustainability and strengthening of indigenous political structures; g) Track record and capability; and (a) Gender equality.20 SEC. 9. Regional Parties. — A\free and open regional party system shall be allowed to evolve according to the free choice of the people. Towards this end, only regional political parties duly accredited by the Bangsamoro Electoral Office, as approved by the Commission on Elections, |shall participate in the parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. The Bangsamoro Government shall ensure the inclusion of women’s agenda and the involvement of women and the youth in the electoral nominating process of the political parties. SEC. 10. Redistricting for Parliamentary Membership. - The Parliament shall have the power to reconstitute by law the parliamentary districts apportioned among the provinces, cities, municipalities, and geographical |areas of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region to ensure equitable representation in the Parliament. The redistricting, merging, or creation of parliamentary districts shall be|/ based on the number of inhabitants and additional provinces, cities, municipalities, and geographical areas, which shall become part of the Bangsamoro territorial jurisdiction. For the purpose of redistricting, parliamentary districts shall be apportioned based on population and geographical area: Provided, That each district shall comprise, as far as practicable, contiguous, compact, and adjacent territorial jurisdiction: Provided, further, That each district shall have a population of at least one hundred thousand (100,000). SEc. 11. Term of Office. ~ The term of office of the members of the Parliament shall be three (3) years: Provided, That no member shall serve for more than three (3) consecutive terms. Voluntary renunciation of office for any length of time or the dissolution of the Parliament by the Wali shall not be considered as an interruption in the continuity of the service for the full term for which the member was elected. SEC. 12. Qualifications. — Np person shall be a member of the Parliament unless the person is a citizen of the Philippines, at least twenty-five (25) years of age on the day of the election, able to read and write, and a registered voter in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.21 Acandidate for youth representative shall not be less than eighteen (18) years and not more than thirty (30) years of age at the time of election. Acandidate for district representative must be a registered voter of the district in which the person is a candidate, and has resided in the district for at least one (1) year immediately preceding the day of the election. SEC. 18. Salaries of Members of the Parliament. — The Parliament shall determine the salaries and emoluments of its members: Provided, That the salaries and emoluments of the members of the Parliament shall not be higher than those of a Provincial Governor: Provided, further, That the salaries and emoluments of the Deputy Chief Ministers and the Speaker of the Parliament shall be one salary grade higher than those of the members: Provided, furthermore, That the salaries and emoluments of the Chief Minister shall not be higher than those of the Members of the Congress of the Philippines. The Parliament shall adopt the Revised Compensation and Position Classification System of the National Government as provided for in Republic Act No. 6758, as amended, and relevant executive issuances: Provided, finally, That no increase in the compensation shall take effect until after the expiration of the full term of all the members of the Parliament approving such increase. For the first Parliament, the salaries and emoluments of its members shall be determined by a law to be passed by the Bangsamoro Transition Authority. Members of the Parliament shall not receive during their tenure other salary and emoluments from the Bangsamoro Government or from the National Government. SEC. 14. Disclosure. - Members of the Parliament shall, upon their assumption of office, make a full disclosure of their financial and business interests, including those of their spouses and children. They shall notify the Parliament of any potential conflict of interest that may arise from the filing of bills or resolutions of which they are authors.22 SEC. 15. Prohibition Against|Con/lict of Interest. — The Chief Minister, Deputy Chief’ Ministers, members of the Cabinet, and members of the Parliament, during their term, shall not engage, directly or indirectly, in any business or commercial enterprise in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region where there may be a conflict of interest in the exercise of their functions. SEC. 16. Prohibited Business|and Pecuniary Interest. — (@) Itehall be unlawful for the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Ministers, members of the Cabinet, and members of the Parliament to directly or indirectly: (i) Engage in any business transaction with the Bangsamoro Government or with any of its authorized boards, officials, agents, or attorneys, whereby money is to be paid, or property or any other thing of value is to be transferred, directly or indirectly, out of the resources of the Bangsamoro Government to such person or firm; (2) Hold such interests in any cockpit or other games licensed by the Bangsamoro Gove! ent; (3) Purchase any real estate or other property forfeited in favor of the Bangsamoro Government for unpaid taxes or assessment, or by virtue of a legal process at the instance of the Bangsamoro Government; (4 Beasurety for any person contracting or doing business with the Bangeamoro Government for which a surety is required; and | (6) Possess or use any public property of the Bangsamoro Government for private purposes. (&) Allother prohibitions governing the conduct of national public officers relating to prohibited business and pecuniary interest as provided for under Republic Act No. 6713, otherwise known as the “Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees,” and other applicable to the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Ministers, members of the Cabinet, and members of the Parliament.23 SEC. 17. Practice of Profession. ~ (@) The Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Ministers, and members of the Cabinet are prohibited from practicing their profession or engaging in any occupation other than the exercise of their functions as officials of the Bangsamoro Government. (b) Members of the Parliament who are not holding Cabinet positions may practice their professions, engage in any occupation, or teach in schools except during session hours: Provided, That members of the Parliament who are also members of the Philippine Bar shall not: (1) Appear as counsel before any court in any civil case wherein the Bangsamoro Government or any office, agency, or instrumentality of the government is the adverse party; (2) Appear as counsel in any criminal case wherein an officer or employee of the National Government or the Bangsamoro Government is accused of an offense.committed in relation to the office; (8) Collect any fee for appearance in administrative proceedings involving the Bangsamoro Government; and {4) Use property and personnel of the government except when the member concerned is defending the interest of the government. © Doctors of medicine may practice their profession even during official hours of work only on occasions of emergency: Provided, That the members concerned do not derive monetary compensation therefrom. Skc. 18. Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth. — Officials and employees of the Bangsamoro Government shall file sworn statements of assets, liabilities, and net worth, lists of relatives within the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity in government service, financial and business interests, and personal data sheets as required by national law.24 SEC. 19. Forfeiture of Seat. — The seat of a member of the Parliament shall be forfeited under any of the following circumstances: @) Voluntary resignation in the form of either a written or oral declaration in the Parliament; (©) Conviction of a grave offense by a regular court or a finding of guilt of a grave offense ag defined by the rules of the Parliament for treason, high crimes, heinous crimes, crimes against morality, or other crimes|punishable by more than six (6) years of imprisonment; (© Permanent physical or mental incapacity that makes the Member unable to discharge the duties of a member, or death; @ Substitution by the party to which the member belongs with another member of the same party, the member having been elected under the proportional representation system; © Expulsion by the Parliament for disorderly behavior, with the concurrence of two-thirds of all its members; and @® Such other grounds as bay be provided in the Bangsamoro Electoral Code. | SEC. 20. Filling of Vacancy. — In case of a vacancy of a proportional representation seat, the party to which that seat belongs shall fill the vacancy. | Incase of a vacancy of a district seat by an affiliated member of the Parliament, the party to which the member belongs shall, within thirty (30) days from the ocdurrence of such vacancy, nominate a new member who shall be appointed by the Chief Minister subject to the Bangsamoro Electoral Code. Incase of a vacancy in the seat pied by an unaffiliated member of the Parliament occurring at least one (1) year before the expiration of the term of office, a special election may be called to fill such vacancy in the manner prescribed by a law enacted by the Parliament.26 The appointed or elected member of the Parliament, as the case may be, shall serve the unexpired term of the vacant office. Skc. 21. Privileges and Immunities. — Any member of the Parliament who commits an offense within the Bangsamoro territorial jurisdiction that is punishable by not more than six (6) years imprisonment, shall be privileged from arrest while the Parliament is in session. No member of the Parliament shall be questioned or be held liable in any other place for any speech or debate in the Parliament or in any of its committees. SEC. 22. Sessions of the Parliament. — The Parliament shall conduct its regular session forty-five (45) days after the election of the Parliament up to thirty (80) days before the opening of its next regular session, unless earlier dissolved by a vote of no confidence. A special or emergency session may be called by the Speaker, upon the request of the Chief Minister or by a majority of all the members of the Parliament. SEC. 23. Officers of the Parliament. ~ On the first day of session of the Parliament following their election, the members shall elect by a majority vote of all its members the Speaker, a Deputy Speaker, and the other officers of the Parliament, as the rules of the Parliament may provide. In case of death, removal, resignation, or permanent disability or legal incapacity of the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker shall act as Speaker until a new Speaker shall have been elected by the Parliament. Skc. 24. Presiding Officer. — The Speaker, Deputy Speaker, or any other person presiding over the Parliament shall: (@) Secure'the honor and dignity of the Parliament; (®) Ensure the rights and privileges of all the members;| 26 | © Assure public access to the proceedings of the Parliament and its committees. SEC. 25. Rules of the Parliament. — The Parliament shall adopt its own rules for the conduct of its business. (@) Every bill passed by the Parliament shall embrace only one subject which shall be expressed in the title thereof. (b) No bill shall become a law in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region unless it has passed three (3) readings on separate days and printed copies thereof in its final form have been distributed to members of Parliament three (3) days before its passage, except when the Chief Minister certifies to the necessity of its immediate enactment to meet a public calamity or emergency. © Every bill passed by the Parliament shall, before it becomes a law, be presented to the Chief Minister. The Chief Minister shall sign the bill within thirty (30) days after the date of its receipt, otherwise, it shall become a law as if the Chief Minister had signed it. | @ The Speaker of the Parliament shall, within ten (10) working days from their approval of, submit to the President and to the Congress of the Philippines a certified true copy of all laws and resolutions approved by the Parliament. © Therules of the Parliament or any amendment thereto shall be effective fifteen (15) days following its complete publication in a regional newspaper of general circulation. SkEc. 26. Proceedings. — A majority of all the members of the Parliament shall constitute a quorum to do business, but a smaller number may adjourn from. to day and may compel the attendance of absent members in such manner, and under such penalties as the Parliament may provide.27 The Parliament may punish its members for disorderly behavior, and with the concurrence of two-thirds of all its members, suspend or expel a member. A penalty of suspension, when imposed, shall not exceed sixty (60) days. The Parliament shall keep a Journal of its proceedings, and from time to time publish the same, excepting such parts as may, in its judgment affect national and/or regional security; and the yeas and nays on any question shall, at the request of one-fifth of the members present be entered into the Journal. The Parliament shall also keep a record of its proceedings. SEC. 27. Appropriations. — No public money, including the block grant and other national government subsidies and support funds given in lump sum, shall be spent without an appropriations law clearly defining the purpose for which it is intended. The Parliament shall pass an annual appropriations Jaw. SEC. 28. Budget. — The form, content, and manner of preparation of the Bangsamoro budget shall be prescribed by law enacted by the Parliament, consistent with existing laws, rules and regulations of the National Government. For this purpose, the Parliament shall create a Bangsamoro Budget Office. SEC. 29. Reenacted Budget. — If, by the end of a fiscal year, the Parliament shall have failed to pass the Bangsamoro appropriations bill for the ensuing fiscal year, the Bangsamoro appropriations law for the preceding fiscal year shall be deemed. reenacted and shall remain in force and effect until a new Bangsamoro appropriations bill is passed by the Parliament. Only the annual appropriations for salaries and wages of existing positions, statutory and contractual obligations, and operating expenses authorized in the annual budget of the preceding year shall be deemed reenacted and the disbursement of funds shall be in accordance therewith.| aa Executive TS SEC. 30. Qualifications of the Chief Minister. — No person shall be elected as Chief Minister unless a member of the Parliament, a natural-born citizen of the Philippines, and at least twenty-five (25) years of age on the day of the election. SEC. 31. Election of the Chief Minister. — On the first day of session following the election of the members of the Parliament, the Parliament shall elect the Chief Minister by a majority vote of all its members. Ifno member of the Parliament obtains the majority vote necessary to be elected Chief Minister in the first round of voting, arunoff election shall be conducted: Provided, That the members of the Parliament shall elect the Chief Minister from the two (2) candidates who obtained the highest number of votes cast in the first round. SEC. 32. Powers, Duties, and Functions of the Chief Minister. — The Chief Minister shall exercise the following powers, duties, and functions: (@) Head the Bangsamoro Government; () Appoint heads of ministries, agencies, bureaus, and offices of the Bangsamoro Government or other officers of Bangsamoro-owned or controlled cdrporations or entities with original charters; © Appoint other officers in the Bangsamoro Government, as may be provided by the Parliament; @ Formulate a platform of government subject to the approval of the Parliament; © Issue executive orders ts other policies of the Bangsamoro Government; @® Represent the Bangsamoro Government in the affairs of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region;