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