Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 9997)
The official title is the "National Commission on Muslim Filipinos Act of 2009."
The State ensures the rights and well-being of Muslim Filipinos, respects their beliefs, customs, traditions, and institutions, encourages their contribution to national goals, and makes them active participants in nation-building.
It took over the functions of the Office on Muslim Affairs (OMA), which was abolished.
The Commission is composed of nine (9) full-time members who are Muslim Filipinos. One commissioner must come from the women sector, one from the youth sector, and one from the Ulama sector. No more than two commissioners may come from the same Muslim Filipino tribe to ensure equitable representation.
They must be academic degree holders and fluent in English and/or Arabic, possess the highest degree of integrity, and have the endorsement of their respective tribes or sectors.
The Secretary has a term of two (2) years without prejudice to reappointment. The initial commissioners have staggered terms (five for four years, four for two years). Subsequent commissioners serve for a full term of four years.
Key powers include advising the President on policies affecting Muslim Filipinos, coordinating development programs, acting as the primary government agency for assistance and redress, participating in the peace process, promoting economic and cultural development, accrediting halal-certifying bodies, managing pilgrimage activities, administering awqaf properties, and strengthening Madrasah education.
No, the Commission shall not take jurisdiction or ownership over lands and bodies of water traditionally occupied by indigenous peoples that fall within the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples' ancestral domains. However, it may identify lands to settle homeless Muslim Filipino families.
This Bureau administers the annual Muslim pilgrimage (Hajj) to Mecca, formulates related programs, ensures timely processing of travel documents, accredits qualified sheikhs, manages awqaf properties, and supervises the conduct of pilgrimage activities.
The President appoints the Hajj Attaché from three recommendees submitted by the Commission. The Attaché must be an academic degree holder fluent in Arabic and serves as coordinator with the Ministry of Hajj of Saudi Arabia.
Regular or permanent employees of the OMA who possess the necessary qualifications are absorbed or transferred without loss of rank, seniority, or pay. They cannot be removed except for valid causes and due process, and separated employees receive separation pay or retirement benefits according to existing laws.
The Commission ensures Madrasah curricula conform with the national formal education curriculum, including Arabic language, Islamic Studies, Filipino and English grammar, Philippine history and geography, science and technology, mathematics, physical education, and vocational education to ensure graduates’ competitiveness.
The President appoints the Secretary of the Commission as Amirul Hajj, who serves as the representative of the President and head of Muslim Filipino pilgrims attending the annual Hajj.
The Bureau of Legal Affairs provides legal education and assistance in litigation involving Muslim Filipinos, acts as legal counsel of the Commission, investigates complaints involving its personnel, and submits appropriate recommendations.
The Commission can solicit and accept grants, donations, and gifts in cash or in kind for the benefit of Muslim Filipinos, and administer these in accordance with the terms of the grant or consistent with Muslim Filipino interests and existing laws.