Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 9054)
The autonomous region governed by this Organic Act is named the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) unless otherwise provided by the Regional Assembly.
The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao initially consisted of four provinces: Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi under Republic Act No. 6734.
New provinces or cities can be included in the Autonomous Region by voting favorably in a plebiscite conducted in those areas as set forth in this Organic Act.
The provisional seat of the regional government is Cotabato City until the Regional Assembly fixes the permanent seat of government.
The Regional Autonomous Government adopts the policy of settlement of conflicts by peaceful means and renounces any form of lawless violence as an instrument of redress.
The Regional Assembly may exercise legislative powers over matters necessary for the governance and development of the region, except for specified subjects such as foreign affairs, national defense, postal service, coinage, administration of justice, among others listed in the Organic Act.
No. Shari'ah courts apply only to Muslims or those who profess the Islamic faith within the autonomous region.
The term of office of the members of the Regional Assembly is three years, and no member may serve more than three consecutive terms.
After passage, the bill is presented to the Regional Governor, who may approve and sign it or veto it. If vetoed, the Regional Assembly may override the veto by a two-thirds vote of all members, after which the bill becomes a law.
Members of the Regional Cabinet are appointed by the Regional Governor, must be registered voters and residents of the region for at least five years preceding appointment, and at least six of them must come from indigenous cultural communities.
A natural-born citizen of the Philippines, registered voter of the autonomous region, able to read and write, at least 35 years old on election day, and resident of the autonomous region for at least one year immediately before the election.
The Regional Vice Governor becomes the Regional Governor for the unexpired term. If both positions become vacant, the Speaker of the Regional Assembly acts as Regional Governor until a special election is held.
The Regional Government has the power to create revenue sources and levy taxes, fees, and charges consistent with the Constitution and the Organic Act, subject to specific exceptions listed therein (e.g., income tax except for banks, customs duties, VAT, national elections, etc.).
Thirty-five percent (35%) go to the province or city, thirty-five percent (35%) to the regional government, and thirty percent (30%) to the central (national) government. The provinces and cities then distribute their shares to local units by specified formulas.
Shari'ah courts have jurisdiction over cases involving personal, family, and property relations, commercial transactions, and criminal cases involving Muslims as defined by the Regional Assembly in consultation with the Supreme Court.
It performs the functions of the central government’s Commission on Human Rights within the autonomous region, with its chair and commissioners appointed by the President upon the recommendation of the Regional Governor.
No. Any member who accepts and qualifies for such government positions automatically forfeits their seat in the assembly.
The Regional Government shall adopt policies to perpetuate Filipino and Islamic values, respect other religious beliefs, promote patriotism, provide scholarships, support madaris education, and have fiscal autonomy over the regional educational subsystem.
The Board is chaired by the Regional Governor and consists of provincial governors, city mayors, regional assembly leaders, and private sector representatives. It plans, monitors, coordinates, and recommends development plans for approval by the Regional Assembly.
The Autonomous Region is governed by this Organic Act, laws enacted by its Regional Assembly, national laws applicable to autonomous regions, and specific laws such as the Local Government Code (RA 7160) subject to limitations and amendments provided.