AN ACT TO STRENGTHEN AND EXPAND THE ORGANIC ACT FOR THE AUTONOMOUS REGION IN MUSLIM MINDANAO

Case Overview and Summary

Summary of Republic Act No. 9054

Preamble
- Establishes the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) to develop a just society and autonomous government reflecting the ideals and aspirations of the people within the framework of the Constitution and national sovereignty.

Article I: Name and Purpose
- The name of the autonomous region is the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), governed by the Regional Government.

Article II: The Autonomous Region
- Expands the ARMM to include provinces and cities that vote favorably in a plebiscite to join the expanded area.
- Plebiscite coverage and questions for voters of original and proposed areas. (Sections 1-2)
- Seat of the autonomous government to be fixed by the Regional Assembly. (Section 3)

Article III: Guiding Principles and Policies
- ARMM remains an integral part of the Philippines. (Section 1)
- Policies on peaceful settlement of conflicts, devolution of powers, customs and traditions, education, economic development, and rights of inhabitants. (Sections 2-17)

Article IV: Powers of Government
- Regional Government exercises powers granted by the Organic Act. (Section 1)
- Scope of Regional Assembly's legislative power and exceptions. (Sections 2-4)
- Representation in central government departments and constitutional bodies. (Sections 5-7)

Article V: Inter-Governmental Relations
- President's supervision over Regional Governor. (Section 1)
- Cabinet membership and representation in central government. (Sections 2-7)

Article VI: The Legislative Department
- Legislative power vested in the Regional Assembly. (Section 1)
- Election, composition, qualifications, and powers of the Regional Assembly. (Sections 2-20)

Article VII: The Executive Department
- Executive power vested in the Regional Governor and cabinet. (Sections 1-2)
- Qualifications, election, and powers of the Regional Governor and Vice Governor. (Sections 3-24)

Article VIII: Administration of Justice
- Judicial power vested in courts, including Shari'ah courts. (Sections 1-24)
- Establishment of Shari'ah Appellate Court and tribal courts. (Sections 7-21)

Article IX: Fiscal Autonomy
- Revenue sources and fiscal autonomy of the Regional Government. (Sections 1-15)

Article X: Ancestral Domain, Ancestral Lands and Agrarian Reform
- Protection of ancestral domain and lands of indigenous cultural communities. (Sections 1-8)

Article XI: Urban and Rural Planning and Development
- Regional policies on urban, rural, and indigenous development. (Sections 1-4)

Article XII: Economy and Patrimony
- Provisions on regional economy, natural resources, investments, and environmental protection. (Sections 1-20)

Article XIII: Public Order and Security
- Establishment of a Special Regional Security Force (Regional Police Force). (Sections 1-13)

Article XIV: Education, Science and Technology, Arts, and Sports
- Policies and structure of the regional educational subsystem, including Madrasah education. (Sections 1-27)

Article XV: Social Justice, Services, Institutions, and Other Concerns
- Provisions on social services, housing, family, women, youth, labor, and people's organizations. (Sections 1-9)

Article XVI: General Provisions
- Provisions on regional emblem, seal, hymn, disciplinary authority, oaths, and civil service. (Sections 1-6)

Article XVII: Amendments or Revisions
- Process for amending or revising the Organic Act. (Sections 1-3)

Article XVIII: Transitory Provisions
- Provisions for transition and implementation of the Organic Act. (Sections 1-19)