Republic Act No. 6734/Article III

by Congress of the Philippines

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Article III

GUIDING PRINCIPLES AND POLICIES

Section 1. The area of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao shall remain an integral and inseparable part of the national territory of the Republic of the Philippines as defined by the Constitution and existing laws.

The people of the Autonomous Region shall uphold the Constitution as the fundamental law of the land and unequivocally owe allegiance and fidelity to the Republic of the Philippines.

The Autonomous Region shall be governed and administered in accordance with this Organic Act.

Sec. 2. The Regional Government shall adopt the policy of settlement of conflicts by peaceful means, and renounce any form of lawless violence as an instrument of redress.

Sec. 3. The Regional Government shall adopt a policy on local autonomy whereby regional powers shall be devolved to local government units where appropriate: Provided, however, That until a regional law implementing this provision is enacted, the Local Government Code shall be applicable.

Sec. 4. Highly urbanized cities within the Autonomous Region shall continue to be governed by their charters. Nothing in this Act shall be construed as to diminish the powers and functions already enjoyed by these cities.

Sec. 5. The Regional Government shall adopt measures to ensure mutual respect for and protection of the distinct beliefs, customs, and traditions among its inhabitants in the spirit of unity in diversity and peaceful coexistence: Provided, That no person in the Autonomous Region shall, on the basis of creed, religion, ethnic origin, parentage or sex, be subjected to any form of discrimination.

Sec. 6. The Regional Government shall adopt educational policies that are responsive to and reflective of the special needs of the people, with due respect to the beliefs, customs and traditions of the inhabitants of the Region.

Sec. 7. The Regional Government shall endeavor to improve the well-being of all its constituents, particularly the marginalized, deprived, disadvantaged, underprivileged and disabled.

Sec. 8. Subject to the provisions of the Constitution and this Organic Act, and national development policies and programs, the Regional Government shall have authority, power and right in the exploration, development and utilization of its natural resources: Provided, That the indigenous cultural communities shall have priority rights in the areas designated as parts of the ancestral domain.

Sec. 9. The Autonomous Region shall provide manpower training programs, create livelihood and job opportunities, allocate equitable preferential rights to its inhabitants, and adopt laws that will safeguard the rights of workers.

Sec. 10. The Regional Government shall uphold and protect the fundamental rights of women and children. In no case shall women and children be exploited, abused or discriminated against.

Sec. 11. The Regional Government shall provide, maintain, and ensure the delivery of basic health education and services.

Sec. 12. The Regional Government shall provide incentives for prompt payment of taxes.

Sec. 13. The National Government shall provide financial assistance to the Autonomous Region by appropriating such sums as may be necessary to accelerate the development of the Region.