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TodayisSunday,August02,2015

RepublicofthePhilippinesCongressofthePhilippines

MetroManila

EighthCongress

RepublicActNo.6734August1,1989

ANACTPROVIDINGFORANORGANICACTFORTHEAUTONOMOUSREGIONINMUSLIMMINDANAO

BeitenactedbytheSenateandHouseofRepresentativesofthePhilippinesinCongressassembled::

Preamble

The people of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, imploring the aid of Almighty God, in order todevelopajustandhumanesocietyandestablishanAutonomousRegionalGovernmentthatistrulyreflectiveoftheir ideals and aspirations within the framework of the Constitution and national sovereignty, as well as theterritorialintegrityoftheRepublicofthePhilippines,andtosecuretothemselvesandtheirposteritytheblessingsof autonomy, democracy, peace, justice and equality, do ordain and promulgate this Organic Act through theCongressofthePhilippines.

ARTICLEINameandPurpose

Section1.Thenameof theAutonomousRegionshallbe theAutonomousRegion inMuslimMindanaounlessprovidedotherwisebyCongressupontherecommendationoftheRegionalLegislativeAssembly.

Section 2. It is the purpose of this Organic Act to establish the Autonomous Region inMuslimMindanao, toprovide itsbasicstructureofgovernmentwithin the frameworkof theConstitutionandnationalsovereigntyandtheterritorialintegrityoftheRepublicofthePhilippines,andtoensurethepeaceandequalitybeforethelawofallpeopleintheAutonomousRegion.

ARTICLEIITheAutonomousRegion

AREAANDSEATOFGOVERNMENT

Section 1. (1) There is hereby created the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, to be composed ofprovincesandcitiesvotingfavorablyintheplebiscitecalledforthepurpose,inaccordancewithSection18,ArticleXoftheConstitution.

(2) The plebiscite shall be conducted in the provinces of Basilan, Cotabato, Davao del Sur, Lanao delNorte, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Palawan, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, TawiTawi,Zamboanga del Norte, and Zamboanga del Sur, and the cities of Cotabato, Dapitan, Dipolog, GeneralSantos,Iligan,Marawi,Pagadian,PuertoPrincesa,andZamboanga.

Section2.TheRegionalLegislativeAssembly,hereinafterreferredtoastheRegionalAssembly,shallfixbylawthe permanent seat of government for theAutonomousRegion inMuslimMindanao, taking into considerationaccessibilityandefficiency incarryingout itsmandateunder thisAct:Provided,That theprovisionalseatof theRegionalGovernmentshallbeinCotabatoCity.

ARTICLEIIIGuidingPrinciplesAndPolicies

Section1. Theareaof theAutonomousRegion inMuslimMindanaoshall remainan integral and inseparablepartofthenationalterritoryoftheRepublicofthePhilippinesasdefinedbytheConstitutionandexistinglaws.

The people of the Autonomous Region shall uphold the Constitution as the fundamental law of the land andunequivocallyoweallegianceandfidelitytotheRepublicofthePhilippines.

TheAutonomousRegionshallbegovernedandadministeredinaccordancewiththisOrganicAct.

Section2. TheRegionalGovernment shall adopt the policy of settlement of conflicts by peacefulmeans, andrenounceanyformoflawlessviolenceasaninstrumentofredress.

Section3.TheRegionalGovernmentshalladoptapolicyon localautonomywherebyregionalpowersshallbedevolvedtolocalgovernmentunitswhereappropriate:Provided,however,Thatuntilaregionallawimplementingthisprovisionisenacted,thelocalGovernmentCodeshallbeapplicable.

Section4.HighlyurbanizedcitieswithintheAutonomousRegionshallcontinuetobegovernedbytheircharters.NothinginthisActshallbeconstruedastodiminishthepowersandfunctionsalreadyenjoyedbythesecities.

Section5.TheRegionalGovernmentshalladoptmeasures toensuremutual respect forandprotectionof thedistinct beliefs, customs, and traditions among its inhabitants in the spirit of unity in diversity and peaceful coexistence:Provided,ThatnopersonintheAutonomousRegionshall,onthebasisofcreed,religion,ethnicorigin,parentageorsex,besubjectedtoanyformofdiscrimination.

Section6.TheRegionalGovernmentshalladopteducationalpoliciesthatareresponsivetoandreflectiveofthe

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special needs of the people, with due respect to the beliefs, customs and traditions of the inhabitants of theRegion.

Section7.TheRegionalGovernmentshallendeavortoimprovethewellbeingofallitsconstituents,particularlythemarginalized,deprived,disadvantaged,underprivilegedanddisabled.

Section8.Subject totheprovisionsof theConstitutionandthisOrganicAct,andnationaldevelopmentpoliciesandprograms, theRegionalGovernmentshallhaveauthority,powerand right in theexploration,developmentand utilization of its natural resources: Provided, That the indigenous cultural communities shall have priorityrightsintheareasdesignatedpartsoftheancestraldomain.

Section 9. The Autonomous Region shall provide manpower training programs, create livelihood and jobopportunities,allocateequitablepreferentialrightstoitsinhabitants,andadoptlawsthatwillsafeguardtherightsofworkers.

Section10.TheRegionalGovernmentshallupholdandprotectthefundamentalrightsofwomenandchildren.Innocaseshallwomenandchildrenbeexploited,abusedordiscriminatedagainst.

Section11.TheRegionalGovernmentshallprovide,maintain,andensurethedeliveryofbasichealtheducationandservices.

Section12.TheRegionalGovernmentshallprovideincentivesforpromptpaymentoftaxes.

Section 13. The National Government shall provide financial assistance to the Autonomous Region byappropriatingsuchsumsasmaybenecessarytoacceleratethedevelopmentoftheRegion.

ARTICLEIVDevolutionofPowers

Section1.ThefundamentalrightsanddutiesofthepeopleintheAutonomousRegionarethoseestablishedintheConstitutionandthisOrganicAct.

Section2.ThepowersdevolvedtotheAutonomousRegionshallbeexercisedthroughtheRegionalAssembly,theRegionalGovernor,andthespecialcourtsasprovidedinthisAct.

ARTICLEVPowersofGovernment

Section1.TheRegionalGovernmentshallexercisepowersandfunctionsnecessaryforthepropergovernanceanddevelopmentofalltheconstituentunitswithintheAutonomousRegionconsistentwiththeconstitutionalpolicyonregionalandlocalautonomyanddecentralization:Provided,Thatnothinghereinshallauthorizethediminutionofthepowersandfunctionsalreadyenjoyedbylocalgovernmentunits.

Section 2. The Autonomous Region is a corporate entity with jurisdiction in all matters devolved to it by theConstitutionandthisOrganicActashereinenumerated:

(1)Administrativeorganization

(2)Creationofsourcesofrevenues

(3)Ancestraldomainandnaturalresources

(4)Personal,familyandpropertyrelations

(5)Regional,urbanandruralplanningdevelopment

(6)Economic,social,andtourismdevelopment

(7)Educationalpolicies

(8)Preservationanddevelopmentoftheculturalheritage

(9) Powers, functions and responsibilities now being exercised by the departments of the NationalGovernmentexcept:

(a)Foreignaffairs

(b)Nationaldefenseandsecurity

(c)Postalservice

(d)Coinage,andfiscalandmonetarypolicies

(e)Administrationofjustice

(f)Quarantine

(g)Customsandtariff

(h)Citizenship

(i)Naturalization,immigrationanddeportation

(j)Generalauditing,civilserviceandelections

(k)Foreigntrade

(l) Maritime, land and air transportation and communications that affect areas outside theAutonomousRegionand

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(m)Patents,trademarks,tradenames,andcopyrightsand

(10)SuchothermattersasmaybeauthorizedbylawforthepromotionofthegeneralwelfareofthepeopleoftheRegion.

Section3.TheRegionalGovernmentmayexercisethepowerofeminentdomain.

ARTICLEVIInterGovernmentalRelations

Section1. ThePresident of thePhilippines shall exercise general supervision over theRegionalGovernment,including the localgovernmentunits therein,directlyor through theRegionalGovernor, toensure thatnationalandregionallawsarefaithfullyexecuted.

Section 2. The Regional Government shall maintain close coordination with the National Government for theorderlymanagementofthespecialcourtswithintheAutonomousRegion.

ARTICLEVIITheLegislativeDepartment

Section1.ThelegislativepowershallbevestedintheRegionalAssembly,excepttotheextentreservedtothepeoplebyprovisionsoninitiativeandreferendumasprovidedbylaw.

Section2. TheRegionalAssemblymay create, divide,merge, abolish or substantially alter boundaries of anymunicipalityorbarangayinaccordancewiththecriterialaiddownbyexistinglawsubjecttoapprovalbyamajorityofthevotescastinaplebisciteinthepoliticalunitsdirectlyaffected.Itmayalsochangethenamesofsuchlocalgovernmentunits,publicplacesandinstitutions.

Section3.TheRegionalAssemblyshallapprovethebudgetoftheAutonomousRegion.

Section 4. The Regional Assembly shall be composed of Members elected by popular vote, with three (3)memberselectedfromeachofthecongressionaldistricts.

Section5.TheMembersoftheRegionalAssemblyshallhaveatermofthree(3)yearswhichshallbegin,unlessotherwiseprovidedbylaw,atnoononthe31stdayofMarchnextfollowingtheirelection.

No Member of the Regional Assembly shall serve for more than three (3) consecutive terms. Voluntaryrenunciation of or removal from office for any length of time shall not be considered as an interruption in thecontinuityofhisserviceforthefulltermforwhichhewaselected.

Section6.IncaseofvacancyintheRegionalAssemblyoccurringatleastoneyearbeforetheexpirationoftheterm of office, a special election shall be called to fill the vacancy in the manner prescribed by regional law:Provided,ThattheMemberelectedshallserveonlyfortheunexpiredterm.

Section7.NopersonshallbeaMemberoftheRegionalAssemblyunlessheis:

(1)AnaturalborncitizenofthePhilippines

(2)Atleasttwentyone(21)yearsofageonthedayoftheelection

(3)Abletoreadandwrite

(4) A registered voter of the district in which he shall be elected on the day he files his certificate ofcandidacyand

(5) A resident thereof for a period of not less than five (5) years immediately preceding the day of theelection.

Section8.EveryMemberoftheRegionalAssemblyshalltakeanoathoraffirmationofallegiancetotheRepublicofthePhilippinesbeforetakinghisseat.

Section9.UnlessotherwiseprovidedbyCongress,aMemberoftheRegionalAssemblyshallreceiveanannualsalaryofOnehundredtwentythousandpesos(P120,000.00)excepttheSpeakeroftheRegionalAssemblywhoshallreceiveanannualsalaryofOneHundredfortyfourthousandpesos(P144,000.00).TheyshallnotreceiveduringtheirtenureanyotheremolumentsfromtheGovernment.

Section10.AnyMemberoftheRegionalAssemblywhoacceptsanappointmentandqualifiesforanypositionintheGovernment,includinggovernmentownedorcontrolledcorporationsortheirsubsidiaries,shallautomaticallyforfeithisseatintheRegionalAssembly.

Section11.AllMembersoftheRegionalAssemblyshall,upontheirassumptionofoffice,makeafulldisclosureoftheirfinancialandbusinessinterests,includingthoseoftheirspousesandunmarriedchildrenundereighteen(18)yearsofagelivingintheirhouseholds.TheyshallnotifytheAssemblyofanypotentialconflictofinterestthatmayarisefromthefilingofmeasuresofwhichtheyareauthors.

AnyMemberfoundguiltyofnondisclosureasrequiredunderThissectionmaybeexpelledbyatwothirds(2/3)vote of all the Members of the Regional Assembly, without prejudice to his other liabilities under pertinentlegislation.

Section12.NoMemberoftheRegionalAssemblymaypersonallyappearascounselbeforecourtsofjusticeorquasijudicial andother administrative bodies.Neither shall he, directly or indirectly, be interested financially inanycontractwith,orinanyfranchiseorspecialprivilegegrantedbytheGovernment,oranysubdivision,agencyorinstrumentalitythereof,includinganygovernmentownedorcontrolledcorporationoritssubsidiary,duringhistermofoffice.HeshallnotinterveneinanymatterbeforeanyofficeoftheGovernmentforhispecuniarybenefitorwherehemaybecalledupontoactonaccountofhisoffice.

Section13.NoMembershallbequestionedorbeheldliableinanyotherplaceforanyspeechordebateintheAssemblyorinanycommitteethereof.

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Section14.TheRegionalAssemblyshalladoptitsownrulesofprocedurebyamajorityvoteofall itsMembersincludingtheselectionofmembersofitsstandingcommitteesandthesuspensionorexpulsionofitsMembers.

TheRegionalAssemblyshallelectfromamongitsMembersaSpeakerandsuchotherofficersastherulesmayprovide.

Amajorityofall theMembersofAssemblyshallconstituteaquorumtodobusiness,butasmallernumbermayadjourn fromday todayandmaycompel theattendanceofabsentMembers insuchmanner,andundersuchpenalties,astheAssemblymayprovide.

TheRegionalAssemblyoranyofitscommitteesmayconductinquiriesorpublicconsultationsinaidoflegislationinaccordancewithitsrules.Therightsofpersonsappearinginoraffectedbysuchinquiriesshallberespected.

TheRegionalAssemblyshallkeepaJournalofitsproceedingsandarecordofitscaucusesandmeetings.Therecords and books of accounts of the Assembly shall be preserved and be open to public scrutiny. TheCommissiononAuditshallpublishanannualreportoftheitemizedlistofexpendituresincurredbytheMembersoftheAssemblywithinsixty(60)daysfromtheendofeveryregularsession.

Section 15. The Regional Assembly may request the presence of the Regional Governor, Regional ViceGovernor,Cabinetmembersortheirdeputies,astherulesshallprovide,forquestioningonmattersfallingwithinthescopeoftheirresponsibilities.

SubjecttotherulesoftheRegionalAssembly,thelegislativepowertoinquireonmattersrelatingtotheexerciseof administrative functions by anagencyof governmentwithin theAutonomousRegion shall be in the formofwrittenquestions.

Section16.Exceptasprovidedbyitsrules,theRegionalAssemblyshallmeetinopensession.Regularsessionshallcommenceonthe4thMondayofAprilandshallcontinuetobeinsessionforsuchnumberofdaysasmaybedeterminedbytheAssemblyuntil thirty(30)daysbeforetheopeningof itsnextregularsession,exclusiveofSaturdays,Sundaysandlegalholidays.

TheRegionalAssemblymaymeetinspecialsessionsattherequestofonethird(1/3)ofallitsMembersorbycalloftheRegionalGovernor.Suchspecialsessionmustbeconvenedwithaspecialagenda.

Section17.Nobillshallbecomealawofregionalapplicationunlessithaspassedthree(3)readingsonseparatedays,andprintedcopies thereof in its final formhavebeendistributed to itsMembers three(3)daysbefore itspassage, except when theRegionalGovernor certifies to the necessity of its immediate enactment tomeet apubliccalamityoremergency.

Section 18. Every bill passed by theRegional Assembly, shall, before it becomes a law, be presented to theRegionalGovernor.Ifheapprovesthesame,heshallsignitotherwise,ifthebillcontainultraviresprovisions,orif he finds it objectionable on policy grounds, or both, he shall veto it and return it with his objections to theRegionalAssembly,whichshallenter theobjectionsat large in itsJournalandproceedtoreconsider it. If,aftersuchreconsideration,twothirds(2/3)ofallMembersoftheRegionalAssemblyshallagreetopassthebill,itshallbecomealaw.Inallsuchcases,thevoteshallbedeterminedbyyeasornays,andthenamesoftheMembersvotingfororagainstshallbeenteredintheJournal.TheRegionalGovernorshallcommunicatehisvetoofanybilltotheRegionalAssemblywithinthirty(30)daysafterthedateofreceiptthereofotherwise,itshallbecomealawasifhehadsignedit.

Section19. TheSpeaker of theRegionalAssembly shall,within ten (10)working days fromapproval thereof,submittothePresidentandtobothHousesofCongressacertifiedtruecopyofalllawsandresolutionsapprovedbytheRegionalAssembly.

ARTICLEVIIITheExecutiveDepartment

Section1.Theexecutivepowershallbevested inaRegionalGovernorwhoshallbeelectedat largebydirectvoteofthepeopleoftheAutonomousRegion.

Section2.TheRegionalGovernor shall beassistedbyaCabinetofnine (9)members,at least fourofwhomshall preferably come from indigenous cultural communities: Provided, That the members shall, as far aspracticable,comefromvariousprovincesandcitieswithintheAutonomousRegion.

Themembersof theCabinetmust be registered voters and residents of theRegion for at least five (5) yearsimmediatelyprecedingtheirappointment.

The Regional Governor shall appoint the members of the Cabinet subject to confirmation by the RegionalAssembly.

Section3.NopersonmaybeelectedGovernoroftheAutonomousRegionunlessheisanaturalborncitizenofthePhilippines,aregisteredvoteroftheAutonomousRegion,abletoreadandwrite,atleastthirtyfive(35)yearsofageonthedayoftheelection,andaresidentoftheAutonomousRegionforatleastfive(5)yearsimmediatelyprecedingtheelection.

Section4.ThereshallbeaViceGovernoroftheAutonomousRegionwhoshallhavethesamequalificationsandtermofofficeandbeelectedwithandinthesamemannerastheRegionalGovernor.HemayberemovedfromofficeinthesamemannerastheRegionalGovernor.TheViceGovernormaybeappointedasamemberoftheRegionalCabinetwithoutneedofconfirmationbytheRegionalAssembly.

Section5.TheViceGovernorshalllikewisebeelectedbydirectvoteofthepeopleoftheAutonomousRegion.

Section6.(1)ThetermofofficeoftheGovernorandViceGovernorshallbeforaperiodofthree(3)yearswhichshallbeginatnoononthe31stdayofMarchnextfollowingthedayoftheelectionandshallendatnoonofthesamedatethreeyearsthereafter.

(2) No Governor or ViceGovernor shall serve for more than two (2) consecutive terms. Voluntaryrenunciationoforremovalfromofficeforanylengthoftimeshallnotbeconsideredaninterruptioninthecontinuityoftheserviceforthefulltermforwhichhewaselected.

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Section7.Beforetheyenterontheexecutionoftheiroffice,theRegionalGovernorandtheViceGovernorshalltakethefollowingoathoraffirmation:"Idosolemnlyswear(oraffirm)thatIwillfaithfullyandconscientiouslyfulfillmydutiesasGovernor (orViceGovernor)of theRegionalAutonomousGovernment,preserveanddefend theConstitutionoftheRepublic,theOrganicActfortheAutonomousRegion,andthenationalandregionallaws,dojusticetoeveryman,andconsecratemyselftotheserviceoftheAutonomousRegionandthenation.SohelpmeGod."(IncaseofAffirmation,lastsentencewillbeomitted.)

Section8.UnlessotherwiseprovidedbyCongress,theannualcompensationoftheRegionalGovernorandViceGovernor shall be One hundred eighty thousand pesos (P180,000.00) and One hundred fortyfour thousandpesos (P144,000.00), respectively. They shall not receive during their tenure any other emoluments from theGovernment.

Section 9. The Regional Governor shall be provided with a reasonable housing allowance by the RegionalAssembly.

Section10.Incaseofdeath,permanentdisability,removalfromoffice,orresignationoftheGovernor,theViceGovernorshallbecometheGovernortoservetheunexpiredterm.Incaseofdeath,permanentdisability,removalfromoffice,ortheresignationofboththeGovernorandtheViceGovernor,theSpeakeroftheRegionalAssemblyshallactasGovernoruntiltheGovernorandViceGovernorareelectedandqualifiedinaspecialelectioncalledforthepurposeProvided,ThatuponassumptionasActingGovernor,theSpeakeroftheRegionalAssemblyshalltemporarilyvacatehispositionassuchandaninterimSpeakershallbeelected:Provided,further,ThatupontheelectionandassumptionofofficeofthenewRegionalGovernor,theSpeakershallreassumehisoffice.

No special election shall be called to fill a vacancy occurring within one year immediately preceding the nextregularelection.

Section 11. In case of temporary incapacity of the Regional Governor to perform his duties on account ofphysicalor legalcauses,orwhenhe isonofficial leaveofabsenceor traveloutsidetheterritorial jurisdictionoftheRepublicofthePhilippines,theViceGovernor,oriftherebenoneorincaseofhispermanentortemporaryincapacityor refusal toassumeoffice, theSpeakerof theRegionalAssemblyshallexercise thepowers,dutiesandfunctionsoftheRegionalGovernor.

Section12.TheRegionalGovernoror theViceGovernormayberemoved fromoffice forculpableviolationoftheConstitutionorthisOrganicAct,treason,bribery,graftandcorruption,otherhighcrimesorbetrayalofpublictrustbyathreefourths(3/4)voteofalltheMembersoftheRegionalAssembly.

The Regional Assembly may initiate the removal of the Regional Governor or the ViceGovernor under thisSectionbyamajorityvoteofallitsMembers.

TheRegionalAssemblyshallpromulgatethenecessaryrulestocarryouteffectivelythepurposesofthisSection.

Section13.TheRegionalGovernorortheViceGovernormayberecalledonceduringhistermofofficeforlossofconfidence.

TheRegional Assembly shall provide the procedure and systemwhereby such recall can bemade: Provided,That no recall shall take placewithin one year from the date of the official's assumption of office or one yearimmediatelyprecedingaregionalelection.

Section14.TheRegionalGovernor,theViceGovernor,andtheMembersoftheCabinetandtheirdeputiesshallnot hold any other office or employment during their tenure. They shall not, during said tenure, directly orindirectly,practiceanyotherprofession,participate inanybusiness,orbe financially interested inanycontractwith, or in any franchise, or special privilege granted by the Government or any subdivision, agency, orinstrumentality thereof, including governmentownedor controlled corporations or their subsidiaries. They shallstrictlyavoidconflictsofinterestintheconductoftheiroffice.

The spouse and relatives by consanguinity or affinity within the fourth civil degree of the Governor shall not,duringhistenure,beappointedmembersoftheregionalCabinetorchairmenofregionalcommissions,orheadsofbureausoroffices,includinggovernmentownedorcontrolledcorporationsandtheirsubsidiarieslocatedintheAutonomousRegion.

Section 15. Appointments extended by the ActingGovernorwithin ninety (90) days before the assumption ofofficebytheelectedGovernorshallremaineffective,unlessrevokedbytheelectedGovernorwithinninety(90)daysfromsuchassumptionorresumptionofoffice.

Section16.TheRegionalGovernorshallnotissueappointments,removepersonnel,orunlessauthorizedbytheCommissiononElections,undertakepublicworksprojects,withintheprohibitedperiodbeforeandafteraregionalelectionasprovidedbylaw.

Section17.TheRegionalGovernorshallappoint,inadditiontothemembersoftheCabinet,theirdeputies,thechairmenandmembersof thecommissionsand theheadsofbureausof theRegionalGovernment,and thosewhom he may be authorized by regional law to appoint. The Regional Assembly may, by law, vest theappointmentofotherofficersorofficials lower in rank in theheadsofdepartments,agencies, commissions,orboards.

Section18.SubjecttotheexceptionsprovidedforinthisOrganicAct,theRegionalGovernorshallhavecontrolofalltheregionalexecutivecommissions,boards,bureausandoffices.Heshallensurethatthelawsbefaithfullyexecuted.TheRegionalGovernorshallexercisegeneralsupervisionover the localgovernmentunitswithin theAutonomousRegion:Provided, however, That nothingherein shall authorize thediminutionof thepowers andfunctionsalreadyenjoyedbylocalgovernmentunits.

Section 19. (1) The Regional Governor shall submit to the Regional Assembly not later than two (2)monthsbefore the beginning of every regular session, as the basis of the regional appropriations bill, a budget ofexpendituresandsourcesoffinancing,includingreceiptsfromexistingandproposedrevenuemeasures.

The fiscal year of theAutonomousRegion shall cover the periodApril 1 toMarch31of the succeedingyear.

(2)TheRegionalAssemblymaynotincreasetheappropriationsrecommendedbytheRegionalGovernor

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fortheoperationoftheAutonomousGovernmentasspecifiedinthebudget.Theform,contentandmannerof preparation of the budget shall be prescribed by regional law: Provided, however, That pending theenactment of such regional law, the budgeting process shall be governed by existing national laws andrulesandregulationsprescribedbytheDepartmentofBudgetandManagement.

(3) No provision or enactment shall be embraced in the regional appropriations bill unless it relatesspecificallytosomeparticularappropriationtherein.Anysuchprovisionorenactmentshallbelimitedinitsoperationtotheappropriationtowhichitrelates.

(4)TheprocedureinapprovingappropriationsfortheRegionalAssemblyshallstrictlyfollowtheprocedureforapprovingappropriationsforotherdepartmentsandagenciesoftheRegionalGovernment.

(5)Aspecialappropriationsbillshallspecifythepurposeforwhichitisintended,andshallbesupportedbyfundsactuallyavailableascertifiedbytheRegionalTreasurer,ortoberaisedbyacorrespondingrevenueproposaltherein.

(6) No regional law shall be passed authorizing any transfer of appropriations however, the RegionalGovernormay,byregionallaw,beauthorizedtoaugmentanyitemforhisofficefromsavingsinotheritemsoftheappropriationsforhisoffice.

(7)Discretionaryfundsappropriatedforparticularofficialsshallbedisbursedonlyforpublicpurposestobesupportedbyappropriatevouchersandsubjecttosuchguidelinesasmaybeprescribedbyregionallaw.

Section 20. If, by the end of the fiscal year, the Regional Assembly shall have failed to pass the regionalappropriationsbill forensuing fiscalyear, theRegionalAppropriationsAct for thepreceding fiscalyearshallbedeemed automatically reenacted and shall remain in force and effect until the regional appropriations bill ispassedbytheRegionalAssembly.

Section21.TheRegionalGovernorshallhavethepowertovetoanyparticularitemoritemsinanappropriationor revenue bill, but the veto shall not affect the item or items to which he does not object. The vetomay bereconsideredbytheAssemblybyavoteoftwothirds(2/3)ofallitsMembers.

Section22. (1)Nomoneyshallbepaidoutof theRegionalTreasuryexcept inpursuanceofanappropriationmadebyregionallaw.

(2)Nopublicmoneyorpropertyshallbeappropriated,applied,paidoremployed,directlyorindirectly,fortheuse,benefit,orsupportofanysect,church,denomination,sectarianinstitution,orsystemofreligionorofanypriest, imam,preacher,minister,orotherreligiousteacherordignitaryassuch,exceptwhensuchpriest, imam, preacher, minister or dignitary is assigned to the regional police force or to any penalinstitution,orgovernmentorphanageorleprosariumwithintheRegion.

(3)Allmoneycollectedonanyregionaltaxleviedforaspecialpurposeshallbetreatedasaspecialfundandpaidoutforsuchspecialpurposeonly.Ifthepurposeforwhichaspecialfundwascreatedhasbeenfulfilledorabandoned,thebalance,ifany,shallaccruetothegeneralfundsoftheRegionalGovernment.

(4)NofundsorresourcesshallbedisbursedunlessdulyapprovedbytheRegionalGovernororbyhisdulyauthorizedrepresentative.

(5)TrustfundsshallonlybepaidoutoftheRegionalTreasuryuponfulfillmentofthespecificpurposeforwhichsaidfundswerecreatedorreceived.

Section23.TheRegionalGovernorshallinformtheRegionalAssemblyeveryquarterontheconductofregionalaffairsandthestateofregionalfinances.

Section24.ThefinancialaccountsoftheexpendituresandrevenuesoftheAutonomousRegionshallbeauditedbytheCommissiononAudit.

The financial accounts of the Autonomous Region, including all payments from the reserve fund, shall besubmittedbytheRegionalGovernortotheRegionalAssembly,togetherwiththestatementofauditpreparedbytheCommissiononAuditwithinten(10)workingdaysfromreceiptthereof.

Section25.TheRegionalGovernorshalladdresstheRegionalAssemblyat theopeningof itsregularsession.Hemayalsoappearbeforeitatanytime.TheRegionalAssemblymayinvitethePresidentandothergovernmentofficialstoaddressit.

ARTICLEIXAdministrationofJustice

Section 1. The Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, and other courts established by law shall continue toexercisetheirjudicialpowersasprovidedbytheConstitutionandnationallaws.

Section 2. There is hereby created a Shari'ah Appellate Court which, together with other Shari'ah and tribalcourts,shallhavejurisdictionovercasesinvolvingpersons,familyandpropertyrelations.

TheRegionalAssemblyshall, inconsultationwith theSupremeCourt,determine thenumberand the territorialjurisdictionofthesecourts.

Shari'ahAppellateCourt

Section3.TheShari'ahAppellateCourtshallbecomposedofone (1)PresidingJusticeand two(2)AssociateJustices.Anyvacancyshallbefilledwithinninety(90)daysfromtheoccurrencethereof.

Section4.(1)TheJusticesoftheShari'ahAppellateCourtshallpossessthesamequalificationasthoseoftheJusticesoftheCourtofAppealsand,inaddition,shallalsobelearnedinIslamiclawandjurisprudence.

(2)ThemembersoftheShari'ahAppellateCourtshallbeappointedbythePresidentfromalistofatleastthree(3)nomineespreparedbytheJudicialandBarCouncil.ThenomineesshallbechosenfromalistofrecommendeessubmittedbytheRegionalAssembly.Suchappointmentsneednoconfirmation.

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Section5.TheShari'ahAppellateCourtshallhavethefollowingpowers:

(1) Exercise original jurisdiction over petitions for certiorari, prohibition,mandamus, habeas corpus, andotherauxiliarywritsandprocessesinaidofitsappellatejurisdictionand

(2)ExerciseexclusiveappellatejurisdictionoverallcasestriedintheShari'ahDistrictCourtsasestablishedbylaw.

Section6.Thedecisionsof theShari'ahAppellateCourtshallbe finalandexecutory:Provided,however,Thatnothinghereincontainedshallaffect theoriginalandappellate jurisdictionof theSupremeCourtasprovided intheConstitution.

Section7.ThePresidingandAssociateJusticesoftheShari'ahAppellateCourtshallserveuntiltheyreachtheage of seventy (70) years, unless sooner removed for cause in the samemanner as Justices of theCourt ofAppealsorbecomeincapacitatedtodischargethedutiesoftheiroffice.

Section8.ThePresidingJusticeandAssociateJusticesof theShari'ahAppellateCourtshall receivethesamecompensation and enjoy the same privileges as the Presiding Justice and Associate Justices of the Court ofAppeals,respectively.

Section9.(1)TheSupremeCourtshall,uponrecommendationofthePresidingJusticeoftheShari'ahAppellateCourt,appointthecourtadministratorandclerkofcourtofsaidAppellateCourt.SuchotherpersonnelasmaybenecessaryfortheShari'ahAppellateCourtshallbeappointedbythePresidingJusticeofsaidcourt.

(2) The pertinent provisions of existing law regarding the qualifications, appointment, compensation,functions,dutiesandothermattersrelativetothepersonneloftheCourtofAppealsshallapplytothoseoftheShari'ahAppellateCourt.

Section10.TheMembersoftheShari'ahAppellateCourtandofotherShari'ahAppellatecourtsestablishedbylawshallnotbedesignatedtoanyagencyperformingquasijudicialoradministrativefunctions.

Section11.TheofficialseatoftheShari'ahAppellateCourtshall,unlesstheSupremeCourtdecidesotherwise,beintheseatoftheAutonomousGovernment.

Section12.ProceedingsintheShari'ahAppellateCourtandintheShari'ahlowercourtsasareestablishedintheAutonomousRegionalshallbegovernedbysuchspecialrulesastheSupremeCourtmaypromulgate.

Shari'ahCourts

Section13.TheShari'ahDistrictCourtsandtheShari'ahCircuitCourtscreatedunderexistinglawsshallcontinuetofunctionasprovidedtherein.ThejudgesoftheShari'ahcourtsshallhavethesamequalificationsasthejudgesoftheRegionalTrialCourts,theMetropolitanTrialCourtsortheMunicipalTrialCourtsasthecasemaybein.Inaddition,theymustbelearnedinIslamiclawandjurisprudence.

TribalCourts

Section14.Thereisherebycreatedasystemoftribalcourts,whichmayincludeaTribalAppellateCourt,fortheindigenous cultural communities in the Autonomous Region. These courts shall determine, settle and decidecontroversiesandenforcedecisions involvingpersonal, familyandproperty rights inaccordancewith the tribalcodesofthesecommunities.TheRegionalAssemblyshalldefinetheircompositionandjurisdictioninaccordancewiththisAct.

JurisconsultinIslamicLaw

Section 15. Provisions to put into effect the organization of the Office of Jurisconsult in Islamic Laws asestablishedunderexistinglawandfacilitiesforitsproperfunctioningshallreceivepriorityconsideration.

CustomaryLaw

Section 16. The Regional Assembly shall provide for the codification of indigenous laws and compilation ofcustomarylawsintheAutonomousRegion.

ApplicationandInterpretationofLaws

Section17.(1)TheprovisionsoftheMuslimCodeandtheTribalCodeshallbeapplicableonlytoMuslimsandothermembersofindigenousculturalcommunitiesrespectivelyandnothinghereinshallbeconstruedtooperatetotheprejudiceofnonMuslimsandnonmembersofindigenousculturalcommunities.

(2)IncaseofconflictbetweentheMuslimCodeandtheTribalCode,thenationallawshallapply.

(3)IncaseofconflictbetweentheMuslimCodeortheTribalCodeontheonehand,andthenationallawontheother,thelattershallprevail.

(4)Except incasesof successional rights, the regularcourtsshallacquire jurisdictionovercontroversiesinvolvingrealpropertylocatedoutsidetheareaofautonomy.

Section18.SubjecttotheprovisionsoftheConstitution,theShari'ahcourtsshallinterpretIslamiclawbasedonsourcessuchas:

(1)AlQur'an(TheKoran)

(2)AlSunnah(Prophetictraditions)

(3)AlQiyas(Analogy)and

(4)AlJima(Consensus).

ARTICLEXFiscalAutonomy

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Section 1. The Autonomous Region shall have the power to create its own sources of revenues and to levytaxes,feesandcharges,subjecttosuchguidelinesandlimitationsastheConstitutionandthisOrganicActmayprovide,consistentwiththebasicpolicyoflocalautonomy.

Section2.Inenactingrevenueraisingmeasures,theRegionalAssemblyshallobservetheprincipleofuniformityandequity in taxationandshallnot imposeconfiscatory taxesand feesofanykind. Income taxation,however,shallbesolelytheconcernandprerogativeoftheNationalGovernment.

The Regional Assembly shall not revoke or amend, directly or indirectly, any city or municipal ordinancesimposingtaxesorfeesonpurelylocalbusinesses.

Notax,impostorassessmentshallbeimposedorchargedupongoodsormerchandisecominginto,goingoutof,orpassingthroughtheAutonomousRegiontootherplacesofthePhilippines,andviceversa.

Section 3. All corporations, partnerships, and other business entities directly engaged in business in theAutonomous Region shall pay through the Regional Government that portion of their annual income taxcorrespondingtothenetincomegeneratedfrombusinessdoneintheareaofautonomy.

Allcorporations,partnershipsorbusinessentitiesdirectlyengaged inbusiness in theAutonomousRegionshallpaytheircorrespondingtaxes,fees,andchargesintheprovince,city,ormunicipalitywheretheestablishmentisdoingbusiness.

Section4.ThesourcesofrevenuesoftheAutonomousRegionshallinclude,butarenotlimitedto,thefollowing:

(1)Taxes,exceptincometaxes,imposedbytheRegionalGovernment

(2)FeesandchargesimposedbytheRegionalGovernment

(3) Appropriations, internal revenue allotments and other budgetary allotments from the NationalGovernment

(4)SharesinrevenuesgeneratedfromtheoperationsofpublicutilitieswithintheAutonomousRegionand

(5)BlockgrantsderivedfromeconomicagreementsorconventionsauthorizedbytheAutonomousRegion,donations,endowments,foreignassistance,andotherformsofaid,subjecttotheConstitutionandnationalpolicies.

Section5.Thetotalcollectionsofaprovinceorcityfromnationalinternalrevenuetaxes,feesandcharges,andtaxesimposedonnaturalresources,shallbedistributedasfollows:

(a)Thirtypercent(30%)totheprovinceorcity

(b)Thirtypercent(30%)totheRegionalGovernmentand

(c)Fortypercent(40%)totheNationalGovernment.

The thirtypercent (30%)shareof theprovinceshallbedistributedequallyas follows: tenpercent (10%) to theprovince,tenpercent(10%)tothemunicipalityandtenpercent(10%)tothebarangay.

Thethirtypercent(30%)shareofthecityshallbedistributedasfollows:twentypercent(20%)tothecityandtenpercent(10%)tothebarangay.

Theprovinceor city concerned shall automatically retain its shareand remit the seventypercent (70%) to theRegionalGovernment,whichshall,afterdeductingitsshare,remitthebalancetotheNationalGovernmentonamonthlybasis.

The remittanceprocedurewithin theAutonomousRegionshallbe inaccordancewith the rulesand regulationspromulgated by the Regional Government, and remittances to the National Government by the rules andregulationspromulgatedbytheDepartmentofFinance.

Section6.Subject to theConstitutionandnationalpolicies, theRegionalGovernmentshallevolveasystemofeconomicagreementsandtradecompactstogenerateblockgrantsforregionalinvestmentsandimprovementsof regional economic structures. These economic agreements shall be authorized by regional legislation or byexecutive agreement. Pursuant to specific recommendations from the Regional Planning and DevelopmentBoard, theRegionalGovernmentshallassist localgovernmentunits in their requirements forcounterpart fundsforforeignassistedprojects.

Section7.DonationsorgrantstotheRegionalGovernmentexclusivelytofinance,toprovide,for,ortobeusedinundertakingprojectsineducation,health,youthandculture,andineconomicdevelopment,shallbedeductibleinfullindeterminingthetaxableincomeofthedonororgrantor.

Section8. TheRegionalAssemblymaygrant exemptions from regional taxes, onlywith the concurrenceof amajorityofalltheMembersoftheAssembly.

Section 9. Foreign loans may be contracted only in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution andnationallaws:Provided,ThattheRegionalGovernormaycontractdomesticloanssubjecttotheapprovalbytheRegionalAssembly.

ARTICLEXIAncestralDomain,AncestralLandsandAgrarianReform

Section1.SubjecttotheConstitutionandnationalpolicies,theRegionalGovernmentshallundertakemeasurestoprotecttheancestraldomainandtheancestrallandsofindigenousculturalcommunities.

AlllandsandnaturalresourcesintheAutonomousRegionthathavebeenpossessedoroccupiedbyindigenouscultural communities since time immemorial, except when prevented bywar, forcemajeure, or other forms offorcibleusurpation,shall formpartof theancestraldomain.Suchancestraldomainshall includepasture lands,worshipareas,burialgrounds,forestsandfields,mineralresources,except:strategicmineralssuchasuranium,

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coal,petroleum,andotherfossilfuels,mineraloils,andallsourcesofpotentialenergylakes,riversandlagoonsandnationalreservesandmarineparks,aswellasforestandwatershedreservations.

Lands in the actual, open, notorious, and uninterrupted possession and occupation by an indigenous culturalcommunityforatleastthirty(30)yearsareancestrallands.

Section2.Theconstructiveortraditionalpossessionoflandsandresourcesbyanindigenousculturalcommunitymayalsoberecognizedsubject to judicialaffirmation,thepetitionforwhichshallbe institutedwithinaperiodoften (10) years from the effectivity of this Act. The procedure for judicial affirmation of imperfect titles underexistinglawsshall,asfaraspracticable,applytothejudicialaffirmationoftitlestoancestrallands.

The foregoing provisions notwithstanding, titles secured under the Torrens system, and rights already vestedundertheprovisionsofexistinglawsshallberespected.

Section3.AsusedinthisAct,thephrase"indigenousculturalcommunity"referstoFilipinocitizensresidingintheAutonomousRegionwhoare:

(1)Tribalpeopleswhosesocial,culturalandeconomicconditionsdistinguishthemfromothersectorsofthenationalcommunityandwhosestatusisregulatedwhollyorpartiallybytheirowncustomsortraditionsorbyspeciallawsorregulationsand

(2) BangsaMoro people regarded as indigenous on account of their descent from the populations thatinhabited the country or a distinct geographical area at the time of conquest or colonization and who,irrespective of their legal status, retain some or all of their own socioeconomic, cultural and politicalinstitutions.

Section4.Thecustomarylaws,traditions,andpracticesof indigenousculturalcommunitiesonlandclaimsandownership and settlement of land disputes shall be implemented and enforced among the members of suchcommunity.

Section 5. The Regional Government shall require corporations, companies and other entities within theancestral domain of the indigenous cultural communities whose operations adversely affect the ecologicalbalancetotakethenecessarypreventivemeasuresandsafeguardsinordertomaintainsuchabalance.

Section6.UnlessauthorizedbytheRegionalAssembly, landsoftheancestraldomaintitledtoorownedbyanindigenousculturalcommunityshallnotbedisposedoftononmembers.

Section7.Noportionof theancestraldomainshallbeopentoresettlementbynonmembersof the indigenousculturalcommunities.

Section 8. Subject to the Constitution and national policies, the Regional Assembly shall enact an AgrarianReformLawsuitabletothespecialcircumstancesprevailingintheAutonomousRegion.

ARTICLEXIIUrbanandRuralPlanningandDevelopment

Section1.TheRegionalGovernmentshallpromoteandformulatecomprehensiveandintegratedregionalurbanandruraldevelopmentpolicies,plans,programsandprojectsresponsivetotheneeds,aspirationsandvaluesofthepeoplewithintheRegion.

Section2. Immediately after its organization, theRegionalGovernment shall initiate, formulateand implementspecial development programs and projects, responsive to the particular aspirations, needs and values of theindigenousculturalcommunities.

Section3.TheRegionalGovernmentshallprovideequitableopportunitiesforthedevelopmentofeveryprovince,city,municipalityandbarangaywithinitsjurisdictionandshallstrengthentheirexistingplanningbodiestoensurewiderpublicparticipation.

Section 4. Consistentwith theConstitution and national policies, and subject to ecological considerations, theRegionalGovernmentshalladoptandimplementacomprehensiveurbanlandreformandlanduseprogram,toensurethejustutilizationoflandswithinitsjurisdiction.

Section5.ThereisherebycreatedaRegionalPlanningandDevelopmentBoardwhichshallbecomposedofalltheprovincial governorsandcitymayors, two (2)membersof theRegionalAssembly tobedesignatedby theSpeaker,andsuchothermembersasmaybeprescribedbytheRegionalAssembly:Provided,Thattheprivatesectorshallberepresentedtherein.

TheBoardshallserveastheplanning,monitoringandcoordinatingagencyfortheAutonomousRegion.Itshallidentify, evaluate, and recommend the annual work programs and comprehensive development plans of theAutonomousRegiontotheRegionalAssembly,toensuretheirproperimplementation.

TheBoardshall formulateaMagnaCarta for theDevelopmentof theRegiontoserveasthemasterplanforasystematic,progressiveandtotaldevelopmentoftheRegion.

ARTICLEXIIIEconomyandPatrimony

Section1.Consistentwith theConstitutionandnationalpolicies, theRegionalGovernmentmayenact regionallawspertaining to thenational economyandpatrimonyapplicableand responsive to theneedsof theRegion.However,nothinghereinshallbeconstruedastoauthorizetheRegionalGovernmenttorequirelesserstandardsrespecting the protection, conservation and enhancement of the natural resources than those required by theNationalGovernment.

Section2.Exceptforstrategicmineralssuchasuranium,coal,petroleum,andotherfossilfuels,mineraloils,allsourcesofpotentialenergy,aswellasnationalreservesandaquaticparks,forestandwatershedreservationsasmaybedelimitedbynationallaw,thecontrolandsupervisionovertheexploration,utilizationanddevelopmentofthenaturalresourcesoftheAutonomousRegionisherebydelegatedtotheRegionalGovernmentinaccordancewiththeConstitutionandnationallaws.

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TheRegionalAssemblyshallhavetheauthoritytograntfranchisesandconcessionsbuttheRegionalGovernormay, by regional law, be authorized to grant leases, permits and licenses: Provided, That, any lease, permit,franchiseorconcessionshallcoveranareanotexceedingthelimitsallowedbytheConstitutionandshallsubsistfor a period not exceeding twentyfive (25) years Provided, further, That existing leases, permits, licenses,franchisesandconcessionsshallberespecteduntiltheirexpirationunlesslegallyterminatedasprovidedbylawand Provided, finally, That when the natural resources are located within the ancestral domain, the permit,license,franchiseorconcession,shallbeapprovedbytheRegionalAssemblyafterconsultationwiththeculturalcommunityconcerned.

Section3.Theexploration,developmentandutilizationofnaturalresources,exceptthoseenumeratedinthefirstparagraphofSection2hereof,shallbeallowedtoallFilipinosandtoprivateenterprises,includingcorporations,associations,cooperatives,andsuchothersimilarcollectiveorganizationswithatleastsixtypercent(60%)oftheircapital investmentorcapitalstocksdirectlycontrolledorownedbyFilipinoswhoarepreferably residentsof theRegion.

Section 4. Smallscale mining shall receive support from and be regulated by the Regional Government,consideringecologicalbalance,thesafetyandhealthandtheinterestofthecommunitiesandtheminerswheresuchoperationsareconducted.

Section5.TheRegionalGovernmentmay,intheinterestofregionalwelfareandsecurity,establishandoperatepioneering utilities. Upon payment of just compensation, it may transfer the ownership of such utilities tocooperativesorothercollectiveorganizations.

Section6.TheRegionalGovernmentmay,intimesofregionalemergencydeclaredbythePresident,whenthepublic interest so requires and under reasonable termsand safeguards prescribed by theRegionalAssembly,temporarilytakeoverordirecttheoperationofanyprivatelyownedpublicutilityorbusinessaffectedwithpublicinterest.

Section7.TheRegionalAssemblyshallenactlawsforthejustcompensation,rehabilitation,relocation,andothersimilar measures of inhabitants adversely affected in the harnessing of natural and mineral resources in theRegion.

TheRegionalAssembly shall likewiseprovide for the rehabilitationof theareasaffectedby saidharnessingofnaturalandmineralresourcesintheRegion.

Section8. TheRegionalGovernment shall actively and immediately pursue reforestationmeasures to ensurethatatleastfifty(50%)ofthelandsurfaceoftheAutonomousRegionshallbecoveredwithtrees,givingprioritytoland strips along eighteen percent (18%) in slope or over by providing infrastructure, financial and technicalsupporttouplandcommunitiesespeciallytheLumadsortribalpeoples.

Section9.TheRegionalGovernmentshallprohibittheuse, importation,deposit,disposalanddumpingoftoxicorhazardoussubstanceswithintheAutonomousRegion.

Section10. TheRegionalGovernment shall adopt policies topromoteprofit sharingandbroaden thebaseofownershipofbusinessenterprises.

Section11.TheRegionalGovernmentshallprovideincentives,includingtaxholidays,forinvestorsinbusinessesthatwillcontributetothedevelopmentoftheRegion.

It shall provide the same incentives to all companies doing business in theRegionwhich reinvest at least fiftypercent(50%)oftheirnetprofitstherein,andtoallcooperativeswhichreinvestatleasttenpercent(10%)oftheirsurplusintosociallyorientedprojectsintheRegion.

Section 12. The Regional Government shall give priority to the establishment of transportation andcommunicationfacilitiesfortheeconomicdevelopmentoftheregion.

Section13.Inthedeliveryofpowerservices,priorityshallbegiventoprovincesintheareaofautonomywhichdonothavedirectaccesstosuchservices.

Section 14. The Regional Government is hereby empowered to create pioneering firms and other businessentitiesneededtoboosteconomicdevelopmentintheRegion.

Agriculture,FisheriesandAquaticResources

Section15.TheRegionalGovernmentshall recognize,promoteandprotect the rightsandwelfareof farmers,farmworkers,fishermenandfishworkers,aswellasfarmers,andfishworkers'cooperativesandassociations.

Section16. TheRegionalGovernment shall encourageagricultural productivity and promote a diversified andorganicfarmingsystem.

Section 17. The Regional Government shall give top priority to the conservation, protection, utilization anddevelopmentofsoilandwaterresourcesforagriculturalpurposes.

Section18.TheRegionalAssemblyshall enactonAquaticandFisheriesCodewhichshall enhance,develop,conserveandprotectmarineandaquaticresources,andshallprotecttherightsofsubsistencefishermentothepreferentialuseofcommunalmarineandfishingresources, includingseaweeds.Thisprotectionshallextendtooffshore fishing grounds, up to and including all waters twelve (12) nautical miles from the coastline of theAutonomousRegionbutwithin the territorialwatersof thePhilippines, regardlessofdepth, theseabedand thesubsoil thatare includedbetween two(2) linesdrawnperpendicular to thegeneralcoastline frompointswheretheboundary linesof theAutonomousRegion touch theseaat low tideanda third lineparallel to thegeneralcoastline.

Further,itshallprovidesupporttosubsistencefishermenthroughappropriatetechnologyandresearch,adequatefinancial,productionandmarketingassistanceandotherservices.

Fishworkersshallalsoreceiveajustsharefromtheirlaborintheutilizationofmarineandfishingresources.

Science,technologyandotherdisciplinesshallbedevelopedandemployedtoprotectandmaintainaquaticand

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marineecology.

Section 19. TheRegional Assemblymay, by law, create aBureau of Agriculture andFisheries and define itscomposition,powersandfunctions.

TradeandIndustry

Section20.TheRegionalGovernmentrecognizestheprivatesectorastheprimemoveroftrade,commerceandindustry.ItshallencourageandsupportentrepreneurialcapabilityintheRegionandshallrecognize,promoteandprotectcooperatives.

Section21.TheRegionalGovernmentshallpromoteandprotectsmallandmediumscalecottageindustriesbyprovidingassistancesuchasmarketingopportunities,financialsupport,taxincentives,appropriateandalternativetechnologyandtechnicaltrainingtoproducesemifinishedandfinishedproducts.

Section22.TheRegionalGovernmentshallgivesupportandencouragement to theestablishmentofbanks inaccordancewiththeprinciplesoftheIslamicbankingsystem,subjecttothesupervisionbythecentralmonetaryauthorityoftheNationalGovernment.

Section 23. Subject to national policies, the Regional Government shall regulate traditional barter trade andcountertradewithneighboringcountries.

Section24.TheRegionalGovernment shall encourage,promote,undertakeandsupport theestablishmentofeconomiczones,industrialcentersandportsinstrategicareasandgrowthcentersoftheRegiontoattractlocalandforeigninvestmentsandbusinessenterprises.casia

Section25.TheRegionalGovernmentshallundertakemeasurestopromoteconsumereducationandtoensurethattherights,interestsandwelfareoftheconsumersareprotected.

Section26.TheRegionalGovernment shall promote thepreferential useof laborand locallyproducedgoodsandmaterialsbyadoptingmeasurestoincreasetheircompetitiveness.

Section 27. Subject to the Constitution and national policies, the Regional Government shall regulate andexerciseauthorityoverforeigninvestmentswithinitsjurisdictioninaccordancewithitsgoalsandpriorities.

TourismDevelopment

Section 28. The Regional Government shall, with the assistance of the National Government and theparticipation of the private sector, develop tourism as a positive instrument toward accelerated regionaldevelopment.Tourismdevelopmentshallpromotegreaterprideinandcommitmenttothenation:Provided,Thatthe diverse cultural heritage, andmoral and spiritual values of the people in theAutonomousRegion shall beprimarilyconsideredandrespected.

Section 29. The Regional Assembly may, by law, create a Tourism office, and shall define its composition,powersandfunctions.

ARTICLEXIVPublicOrderandSecurity

Section1.TheRegionalGovernmentshallgiveprioritytothemaintenanceandpreservationofpeaceandorderandtheprotectionoflife,libertyandpropertyintheAutonomousRegion,inconsonancewiththeprovisionsoftheConstitution.

Section 2. The Regional Assembly shall, by law, create a Regional Police Force as an integral part of thePhilippine National Police under the administration and control of the National Police Commission. It shall beheadedbyapolicecommissionerwithtwodeputies,whoshallallbeinhabitantsoftheAutonomousRegion,tobeappointedbythePresidentofthePhilippinesuponrecommendationoftheRegionalGovernor.

Section3.The regionalpoliceshallbeunder thesupervisionof theRegionalGovernor:Provided,Thatcityormunicipalmayors,whoareherebyconstitutedasrepresentativesoftheNationalPoliceCommission,shallhaveoperational controlandsupervisionof thepolice forcewithin their constituentunits inaccordancewith lawandappropriaterulesandregulations.

Section 4. The defense and security of the Autonomous Region shall be the responsibility of the NationalGovernment. Towards this end, there is hereby created a regional command of the Armed Forces of thePhilippines for the Autonomous Region, which shall be organized, maintained and utilized in accordance withnationallaws.TheNationalGovernmentshallhavetheauthoritytostationanddeployintheAutonomousRegionsufficientelementsoftheArmedForcesofthePhilippines:Provided,ThatinhabitantsoftheAutonomousRegionshallbegivenpreferenceinassignmentstherein.

Section 5. The provisions of the preceding sections notwithstanding, theRegionalGovernormay request thePresidentofthePhilippinestocallupontheArmedForcesofthePhilippines:

(1)Topreventorsuppress lawlessviolence, invasionor rebellion,when thepublicsafetyso requires, inaccordancewiththeprovisionsoftheConstitution

(2)Tosuppressthedangertoorbreachofpeaceintheareaofautonomy,whenthepoliceforcesoftheautonomousRegionarenotabletodosoor

(3)Toavertanyimminentdangertopublicorderandsecurityintheareaofautonomy.

Section6.TheRegionalGovernmentshallrecognizeindigenousstructuresorsystemswhichpromotepeaceandorder.

ARTICLEXVEducation,ScienceandTechnology,ArtsandSports

Section1.TheAutonomousRegionshallestablish,maintainandsupportacompleteand integratedsystemof

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qualityeducationandadoptaneducationalframeworkthatismeaningful,relevantandresponsivetotheneeds,idealsandaspirationsofthepeopleintheRegion.

EducationalPolicies

Section2.ConsistentwiththebasicStatepolicyoneducation,theAutonomousRegionshalladoptthefollowingeducationalpoliciesandprinciples:

(1) Education in the Autonomous Region shall be committed to the total spiritual, intellectual, social,cultural, scientific and physical development ofman, thusmaking him aGodfearing, peaceloving, andworkorientedcitizenofthenation

(2)AllschoolsintheAutonomousRegionshallinculcatepatriotismandnationalism,appreciationoftheroleof national and regional heroes in the historical development of the country and region, foster love ofhumanity,respectforhumanrights,andshallteachtherightsanddutiesofcitizenship,andtheculturesofthe Muslims, Christians, and tribal peoples in the Region to develop, promote and enhance unity indiversity

(3) The thrust, programs and administration of vocational, nonformal and special education shall besupportedandmaderelevanttothemanpowerneedsoftheRegion

(4)Asystemofscholarshipprograms,grants,studentloans,subsidiesandotherincentivesshallbemadeavailabletoallpoorbutdeservingstudents

(5)Theactiveparticipationof thehome,community, religiousorganizationsandothersectors in thetotaleducativeprocessofthechildshallbeencouragedandsupported

(6)(a)AregionallanguagemaybeevolvedanddevelopedfromthedifferentdialectsintheRegion.

(b)FilipinoandEnglishshallbethemediaofinstructioninallschoolsintheRegion.MajorlanguagesoftheRegionshallbeauxiliarymediaofinstruction.

(c)TheArabiclanguageshallbeacompulsorysubjectforMuslimsandoptionalfornonMuslimsinallschoolsintheRegion

(7)TheeducationintheAutonomousRegionshalldevelopconsciousnessandappreciationofone'sethnicidentity and shall provide a better understanding of each other's cultural heritage for the attainment ofnationalunityandharmony

(8)TheRegionalGovernmentshall recognize theparticipationofprivate institutionsof learning, includingtheMadaris(Arabicschools),inprovidingqualityeducationtothepeopleoftheRegionand

(9) Unless otherwise provided by regional law, the Regional Government may implement a fouryearprimary and a threeyear intermediate education a 22 secondary education and a fouryear or morecollegeeducationinschoolswithintheRegion.

Section 3. The regional educational system shall develop curricula that are relevant to the economic, social,political,cultural,moralandspiritualneedsofthepeopleintheRegion.

EducationalStructure

Section4.TheRegionalAssemblymay,bylaw,create,supportandmaintainaDepartmentofEducation,CultureandSports,andshalldefineitspowers,functionsandcomposition.

Section5.StatecollegesanduniversitieswithintheAutonomousRegionshallenjoyacademicfreedomandfiscalautonomyandshallcontinuetobegovernedbytheirrespectivecharters:Provided,ThattheregionalsecretaryofEducation,CultureandSportsshallbeamemberofthegoverningboardsofstatecollegesanduniversitiesintheAutonomousRegion.

Section 6. All state colleges and universities in the Autonomous Region shall assist and support the fulldevelopmentof thepeopleandshallserveas regionalcenters for tertiaryandpostgraduateeducation in theirrespectiveareasofcompetence.

Section7.TheRegionalAssemblymayestablishatribalstateuniversitysystemwithintheAutonomousRegion.

MadrasahEducation

Section8.Accreditedmadaris in theAutonomousRegionshallbesupervisedby theDepartmentofEducation,CultureandSports.

Section9.Appropriate regional lawsshallbeenacted for thestrengtheninganddevelopmentof themadrasaheducationalsystemintheAutonomousRegion.

ScienceandTechnology

Section 10. Science and technology are recognized as essential to national and regional progress anddevelopment.

Section11.TheRegionalAssemblyshallenactlawsthatshall:

(1) Give priority to science, research, inventions, technology, education, and their development andutilization

(2)Provideincentives,includingtaxdeductionsandfundingassistance,andencourageprivateparticipationinbasicandappliedscientificresearches

(3)Regulatethetransferandpromotetheadoptionoftechnologyfromallsourcesforregionalbenefit

(4)Secureandprotecttheexclusiverightsofscientists,inventors,scholars,writers,artistsandothergifted

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citizenstotheirintellectualpropertiesand

(5) Introduce the full andeffective participationof all sectors in theplanning, programming, coordinationandimplementationofscientificandtechnologicalresearchesandtheacquisition,adoption,innovationandapplicationofscienceandtechnologyfordevelopment.

PhysicalEducationandSportsDevelopment

Section 12. The educational system shall develop and maintain an integrated and comprehensive physicaleducationprogram.Itshalldevelophealthy,disciplined,creative,innovative,productiveindividuals,andpromotethespiritofsportsmanship,cooperation,teamwork,goodwillandunderstanding.

Section13.Thesystemshallencourageandsupportsportsprograms,leaguecompetitions,indigenousgames,martialartsandamateursports,includingtrainingforregional,nationalandinternationalcompetitions.

CulturalHeritage

Section 14. The cultural heritage of the people of theAutonomousRegion shall be an integral component ofregionaldevelopment.

Section15.TheRegionalGovernmentshallrecognize,respect,protect,preserve,revive,develop,promoteandenhance the culture, customs, traditions, beliefs and practices of the people in the area of autonomy. It shallencourageandundertaketherecovery,collection,collationandrestorationofhistoricalandculturalpropertiesforposterity.

Section 16. A Bureau on Cultural Heritage may be created to plan, initiate, implement and monitor culturalprograms, projects and activities that shall institutionalize the preservation and enhancement of the positiveelements of the indigenous culture of the inhabitants of theAutonomousRegion. It shall coordinatewith otherconcernedagenciesengagedinsimilarandrelatedactivities.

ARTICLEXVISocialJustice,Services,Institutions,andOtherConcerns

Section1.Thepromotionofsocial justiceshall includethecommitmenttocreatesocial,politicalandeconomicopportunitiesbasedonfreedomofinitiative,resourcefulnessandselfreliance.

Section 2. (1) The Regional Assembly shall, consistent with the provisions of the Constitution and nationalpolicies,enactmeasurestoprovideandexpandhealthandwelfareservices.

(2)TheRegionalGovernmentshallestablishandmaintainaneffectivefoodanddrugregulatorysystem.Itshallencouragetherationaluseofdrugsthroughanessentialdrugslistandtheuseofgenericmedicinesor drugs, as well as promote the use of herbal medicines and indigenous health resources wheneverappropriate.

(3)TheRegionalAssemblyshallenactfurtherlegislationonthefollowing:

(a)Childhealthanddevelopment,includingthesupportofthehandicappedandotherdisadvantagedpersonsinneedofwelfareservices

(b)Conditionofwomenandstatusofindigenouspopulation

(c)Registrationofbirths,marriagesanddeathsand

(d)Fixingofregionalpublicholidays.

Section 3. The Regional Government, in cooperation with the private sector, shall evolve its own housingprogram that will provide adequate, lowcost, and decent housing facilities and other basic services to theresidentsoftheRegion,especiallytheunderprivileged.

Section 4. TheRegional Assembly shallwithin one (1) year from its organization enactmeasures embodyingreintegration programs responsive to the needs of returnees and rejoinees. A rehabilitation program shall beprovidedfordisplacedpersonsorcommunitiesandvictimsofmanmadeornaturalcalamities.

Section 5. The Regional Government recognizes the Filipino family as the foundation of the nation. It shallstrengthenitssolidarityandactivelypromoteitstotaldevelopment.

Section6.TheRegionalGovernmentrecognizestheroleofwomeninnationbuildingandregionaldevelopment.Itshallpromotetheirwellbeingandensuretheirfundamentalrightsandequalitywithmenbeforethelaw.

TheRegionalGovernmentshalltakeappropriatemeasuresagainstallformsofexploitationofanddiscriminationagainstwomen.

Itshallensuretherepresentationofwomeninappropriatedecisionandpolicymakingbodies.

Section7.TheRegionalGovernmentrecognizesthevitalroleoftheyouthinnationbuilding.

The Regional Assembly may, by law, create the Office of Youth Affairs and define its powers, functions andcomposition.

Section8.TheRegionalGovernmentshallprotecttherightsofpeople'sorganizations.

Section9.TheRegionalGovernment recognizes laborasaprimarysocialeconomic force fordevelopment. Itshallaffordfullprotectiontolabor,promotefullemployment,ensureequalworkopportunitiesregardlessofsex,raceorcreed,andregulatetherelationsbetweenworkersandemployers.

TheRegionalGovernmentshallensuretherightoflabortoitsjustshareinthefruitsofproduction,andtherightofenterprisetoreasonablereturnsoninvestmentsandtoexpansionandgrowth.

Section 10. The Regional Assemblymay create a Commission on HumanRights, and define its powers and

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functions,subjecttotheConstitution,nationallaws,andtothesupervisionoftheNationalCommissiononHumanRights.

ARTICLEXVIIGeneralProvisions

Section1.TheRegionalAssemblyisherebyempoweredtopassalawadoptinganofficialregionalemblem,sealandhymn.

Section2. All public officers and employees, aswell asmembers of the regional police force and themilitaryestablishment,shallberequiredtotakeanoathofallegiancetotheRepublicofthePhilippinesandtosupportanddefendtheConstitutionandthisOrganicAct.

Section 3. No member of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in the active service shall, at any time, beappointed or designated in any capacity to a civilian position in the Autonomous Government, includinggovernmentowned or controlled corporations, or in any of their subsidiaries or instrumentalities within theAutonomousRegion.

Section4.ThisOrganicActshallbeofficiallypromulgatedinFilipino,EnglishandArabicandtranslatedintothedialectswidelyspokenintheAutonomousRegion.Incaseofconflict,theEnglishtextshallprevail.

ARTICLEXVIIIAmendmentsorRevisions

Section1.ConsistentwiththeprovisionsoftheConstitution,thisOrganicActmaybeamendedorrevisedbytheCongress of the Philippines upon a majority vote of the House of Representatives and of the Senate votingseparately.

Section2.TheRegionalAssemblyshallhavethepowertoinitiateproposalsforamendmenttoorrevisionsofthisOrganic Act by a vote of threefourths (3/4) of all its Members or it may call for a Regional ConsultativeCommission to propose the amendment or revision. In any case, the amendment or revision shall require theapprovaloftheCongressofthePhilippines.

Section3.Anyamendment toor revisionof thisOrganicAct shall becomeeffectiveonlywhenapprovedbyamajorityofthevotescastinaplebiscitecalledforthepurpose,whichshallbeheldnotearlierthansixty(60)daysorlaterthanninety(90)daysaftertheapprovalofsuchamendmentorrevision.

ARTICLEXIXTransitoryProvisions

Section1.(1)TheexistingSangguniangPampookandtheLupongTagapagpaganapngPookofRegionsIXandXIIshallbedeemedabolishedandtheMembersthereofconsideredashavingceasedinofficeupontheelectionandqualificationoftheirsuccessorsasprovidedinthisAct.

(2)All regularandpermanentpersonnelof theSangguniangPampookandLupongTagapagpaganapngPook of Regions IX and XII shall continue to hold office unless they are replaced by the RegionalGovernment within six (6) months from the organization thereof otherwise, they shall be consideredregularandpermanentemployeesoftheRegionalGovernment.

NothinginthisOrganicAct,however,shallderogatefromanyrightorprivilegeenjoyedbyanypublicofficialoremployeeunderexistinglaws.Retiringemployeesshallbegivenfullbenefitsunderexistinglaws.Thosewhoopttotransfertoanotherregionshallbeallowed,subjecttotheCivilServicelawsandregulations.

(3)Propertiesandassetsof thepresentAutonomousGovernments inRegionsIXandXIIshallbeturnedover to theRegionalGovernment.Those lands, buildingsandotherpermanent structures located in theprovincesorcitiesthatdonotvotefavorablyintheplebiscitefortheratificationofthisOrganicActmaybeacquiredbytheprovinceorcityconcernedforvalue.

Section2.Allpersonnelof theNationalGovernmentandofgovernmentownedorcontrolledcorporationswhoareabsorbedbytheRegionalGovernmentshallretaintheirseniorityrights,compensationandthebenefits.

Section 3.Within one (1) month from the organization of the Regional Government an Oversight Committeecomposedof theExecutiveSecretary asChairman, theSecretary ofBudget andManagement, theSecretaryGeneraloftheNationalEconomicandDevelopmentAuthority,theRegionalGovernoroftheAutonomousRegion,theSpeakerof theRegionalAssembly, two(2)Senators tobedesignatedbytheSenatePresidentandtwo(2)Representatives to be designated by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, as Members, shall beorganized for thepurposeofsupervising the transfer to theAutonomousRegionofsuchpowersand functionsvested in it by this Organic Act and the appropriations of the offices or agencies, including the transfer ofproperties, assets and liabilities, and such personnel as may be necessary, and of identifying the other lineagenciesandgovernmentownedorcontrolledcorporationsthatmaybeabsorbedbytheRegionalGovernmentand,withrespecttothelatter,alsothetermsandconditionsoftheirturnover.

Withinsix(6)monthsafteritsorganization,theOversightCommitteeshallsubmititsreportandrecommendationstothePresidentofthePhilippineswhoshallactonthereportandrecommendationswithinninety(90)daysafterreceipt thereof:Provided,however,That if thePresident fails toactwithinsaidperiod, therecommendationsoftheOversightCommitteeshallbedeemedapproved.

Section 4. Upon the organization of the Autonomous Region, the line agencies and offices of the NationalGovernmentdealingwithlocalgovernment,socialservices,scienceandtechnology,labor,naturalresources,andtourism, including their personnel, equipment, properties and budgets, shall be immediately placed under thecontrolandsupervisionoftheRegionalGovernment.

Other National Government offices and agencies in the Autonomous Region which are not excluded underparagraph (9), Sec. 2, Article V of this Organic Act, together with their personnel, equipment, properties andbudgets,shallbeplacedunder thecontrolandsupervisionof theRegionalgovernmentpursuant toascheduleprescribedbytheOversightCommitteementionedinSection3,ArticleXIXofthisOrganicAct:Provided,however,That the transferof theseofficesandagenciesand theirpersonnel,equipment,propertiesandbudgetshallbeaccomplishedwithinsix(6)yearsfromtheorganizationoftheRegionalGovernment.

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The National Government shall continue such levels of expenditures as may be necessary to carry out thefunctions devolved under this Act: Provided, however, That the annual budgetary support shall, as soon aspracticable,terminateastothelineagenciesorofficesdevolvedtotheRegionalGovernment.

Section5.NotwithstandingtheprovisionsoftheprecedingSection,theGovernmentServiceInsuranceSystem,theSocialSecuritySystem,thePagtutulunganIkaw,Bangko,Industriya'tGobyerno(PAGIBIG)andotherfundsofsimilartrustorfiduciarynatureshallbeexemptfromthecoverageofthisOrganicAct.

Section 6. Pending the enactment of a regional budgetary law, the budgeting process of the RegionalGovernmentshallbegovernedbypertinent rulesand regulationsprescribedby theDepartmentofBudgetandManagement.

Section 7. The first regular elections of theRegionalGovernor, ViceGovernor andMembers of theRegionalAssemblyunderthisOrganicActshallbeheldnotearlierthansixty(60)daysorlaterthanninety(90)daysaftertheratificationofthisAct.TheCommissiononElectionsshallpromulgatesuchrulesandregulationsasmaybenecessaryfortheconductofsaidelection.

Section 8. Within one (1) year from its organization, the Regional Assembly shall, by law, create a CodeCommissiononMuslimLawsandaCodeCommissiononTribalLawswhichshallnotexceedthree(3)memberspercommission,andshalldefinetheirpowersandfunctions.

TheCodeCommissions shall codify tribal lawsand Islamic lawsand jurisprudencewithin three (3) years fromtheircreationandsubmitthesametotheRegionalAssemblyforenactmentintolaw.

Section 9. The sum of Fifteenmillion pesos (P15,000,000.00)which shall be charged against theContingentFund,isherebyappropriatedfortheinitialorganizationalrequirementsoftheRegionalGovernment,andfundingfor any deficiency shall be taken from savings of theNationalGovernment: Provided, That Fivemillion pesos(P5,000,000.00) thereofshallbeallottedtotheCommissiononElectionstoundertakean informationcampaignon this Organic Act: Provided, further, That the Commission on Elections shall determine the manner ofcampaigning and the deputization of government agencies for the purpose: Provided, finally, That theCommissiononElectionsshalladoptmeasuresthatwillensureanimpartialinformationcampaign.

Section10.TheNationalGovernmentshall,inadditiontoitsregularannualallotmenttotheAutonomousRegion,providetheRegionalGovernmentTwobillionpesos(P2,000,000,000.00)asannualassistanceforfive(5)years,tofundinfrastructureprojectsdulyidentified,endorsedandapprovedbytheRegionalPlanningandDevelopmentBoardhereincreated:Provided,however,ThattheannualassistancehereinmentionedshallbeappropriatedanddisbursedthroughaPublicWorksActdulyenactedbytheRegionalAssembly:Provided,further,thatthisannualassistancemay be adjusted proportionately in accordancewith the number of provinces and cities joining theAutonomousRegion:andProvided, finally,That thenationalprogramsandprojects in theAutonomousRegionshallcontinuetobefinancedoutofnationalfunds.

Section11.TheprovisionsofthisOrganicActareherebydeclaredtobeseparateandintheeventoneormoreofsuchprovisionsareheldunconstitutional,thevalidityofotherprovisionsshallnotbeaffectedthereby.

Section12.Alllaws,decrees,orders,rulesandregulations,andallotherissuances,orpartsthereof,whichareinconsistentwiththisOrganicActareherebyrepealedormodifiedaccordingly.

Section13.Thecreationof theAutonomousRegioninMuslimMindanaoshall takeeffectwhenapprovedbyamajorityofthevotescastbytheconstituentunitsprovidedinparagraph(2)ofSec.1ofArticleIIofthisActinaplebiscitewhichshallbeheldnotearlierthanninety(90)daysorlaterthanonehundredtwenty(120)daysaftertheapprovalof thisAct:Provided,Thatonly theprovincesandcitiesvotingfavorably insuchplebisciteshallbeincludedintheAutonomousRegioninMuslimMindanao.Theprovincesandcitieswhichintheplebiscitedonotvote for inclusion in the Autonomous Region shall remain in the existing administrative regions: Provided,however,ThatthePresidentmay,byadministrativedetermination,mergetheexistingregions.

Section14.ThisActshall takeeffectafterfifteen(15)daysfollowingitscompletepublication inat leasttwo(2)nationallocalnewspapersandone(1)newspaperofgeneralcirculationintheAutonomousRegion.

Approved:August1,1989

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