FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC ) OF THE PHILIPPINES ) First Regular Session ) 7 \I!$ .,IA. .-‘j ij1, :’i 3 NTRODUCED BY SEN. JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA EXPLANATORY NOTE Section 5 of the Bill of Rights of the 1987 Constitution provides that “The free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship, without discrimination or preference, shall forever be allowed.” In pursuance of this Constitutional mandate, the State guarantees the rights and well-being of Muslim Filipinos with due regard to their beliefs, customs, traditions and institutions, giving them the opportunity to contribute to nation-building. This bill therefore seeks to create the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos, an independent, autonomous body which will replace and take over the functions of the Office of Muslim Affairs (OMA). regulations. This Commission shall he subject to existing rules, policies and Its policies shall be both local and national affairs involving Muslim Filipinos that iiicludes the implementation of economic, educational, cultural, and infrastructure programs for Muslim Filipino communities. In view of addressing the needs of the Muslim Filipinos, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. C J I X C I T O ESTRADA enator

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