Amending Further EO No. 120 (s. 2012), as Amended by EO No. 187 (s. 2015), on the Bangsamoro Transition Commission and for Other Purposes

November 7, 2016

EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 8

AMENDING FURTHER EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 120 (s. 2012), AS AMENDED BY EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 187 (s. 2015), ON THE BANGSAMORO TRANSITION COMMISSION AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

WHEREAS, Executive Order (EO) No. 120 (s. 2012) constituted the Bangsamoro Transition Commission pursuant to the 2012 Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro;

WHEREAS, EO No. 187 (s. 2015) amended EO No. 120 to strengthen and expand the functions of the Commission and clarify that the Commission shall cease to operate upon the ratification of the Bangsamoro Basic Law in a plebiscite called for such purpose;

WHEREAS, in a meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 13-14 August 2016, the Implementing Panels of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) reached a consensus on the substantive aspects of the new Peace and Development Roadmap for the implementation of signed agreements;

WHEREAS, the Government is committed to build on the gains of the Bangsamoro peace process with a view to the drafting of a new proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law;

WHEREAS, to ensure inclusivity in the Bangsamoro peace process in accordance with the aforementioned Peace and Development Roadmap and bring about wider participation of stakeholders in the implementation of the signed agreements, there is a need to expand the membership and functions of the Commission.

NOW, THEREFORE I, RODRIGO ROA DUTERTE, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution and existing laws, do hereby order:

SECTION 1. Section 2 of EO No. 120, as amended, is hereby amended to read as follows:

"SECTION 2. Composition. — The Commission shall be composed of twenty one (21) members to be appointed by the President. Out of this total membership, eleven (11) members, including the Chairperson, shall be selected from nominees of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). The Commission shall have a broad and diverse composition.

The Commission may sit en banc or constitute itself into divisions, as it may deem necessary for the speedy, effective and efficient performance of its functions." CAIHTE

SECTION 2. Section 3 of EO No. 120, as amended, is hereby amended to read as follows:

"SECTION 3. Functions. — The Commission shall have the following functions:

a. To draft proposals for a Bangsamoro Basic Law, which shall be submitted to the Office of the President for submission to Congress;

b. Whenever necessary, to recommend to Congress or the people proposed amendments to the 1987 Philippine Constitution;

c. To convene an inclusive Bangsamoro Assembly as a consultative body to discuss the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law;

d. To spearhead the conduct of dialogues and discussions with the public on the Bangsamoro peace process;

e. Whenever necessary, to assist in identifying and coordinating development programs in the proposed Bangsamoro in conjunction with the MILF Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA), and the Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute (BLMI);

 The Commission may likewise coordinate with other relevant government agencies and/or non-government organizations;

 For this purpose, the Commission may promulgate implementing rules and regulations to provide further details on the matter; and

f. To perform such other relevant functions as the President may hereinafter direct."

SECTION 3. Section 8 of EO No. 120, as amended, is hereby amended to read as follows:

"SECTION 8. Secretariat and Technical Committees. — The Commission is authorized to organize a secretariat, create technical committees and designate members thereof, and may engage the assistance of experts and professional advisors, subject to government rules and regulations.

The Secretariat shall be headed by an Executive Director as may be designated by the Chairperson. It shall provide administrative and technical support to the Commission."

SECTION 4. Section 4 of EO No. 120, as amended, is hereby amended to read as follows:

"SECTION 4. Coordination with the Implementing Panels. — The Commission shall regularly coordinate with the Implementing Panels of the Government and the MILF."

SECTION 5. Budget. — Any expense arising from the implementation of this Order which cannot be covered by the budget of the Commission pursuant to Section 9 of EO 120 shall be funded from sources to be determined by the Department of Budget and Management.

SECTION 6. Repealing Clause. — All orders, proclamations, rules, regulations, previous issuances or parts thereof, inconsistent with the provisions of this Order are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly. DETACa

SECTION 7. Separability Clause. — If any section or part of this Order is held unconstitutional or invalid, the other sections or provisions not otherwise affected shall remain in full force or effect.

SECTION 8. Effectivity. — This Order shall take effect upon publication in a newspaper of general circulation.

DONE in the City of Manila, this 7th day of November, in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Sixteen.