’& ’
THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPWBLfC
OF THE PHILIPPINES
FIRST REGULAR SESSION
SENATE
S.B.
I6Q.
Introduced by Senator LUISA “LOI” P. EJERCITO ESTRADA
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Section 5 of the Bill of Rights of the 1987 Constitution provides
that “The free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and
worship, without discrimination or preference, shall forever be allowed.”
In pursuance of this Constitutional mandate, the State guarantees
the rights and well-being of Muslim Filipinos with due regard to their
beliefs, customs, traditions and institutions, giving them the opportunity
to contribute to nation building.
This bill therefore seeks to create the National Commission on
Muslim Filipinos, an independent, autonomous body which will replace
and take over the functions of the Office of Muslim Affairs (OMA). This
Commission shall be subject to existing rules, policies and regulations.
Its policies shall be both local and national affairs involving Muslim
Filipinos that includes 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.
LUS8A ‘‘LOI”
EJERCSTO ESTRADA
t e n a tor