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CSO Act of 2025

Bangsamoro Civil Society Engagement Act

Bangsamoro Parliament Seal

Institutionalizing Partnership for a More Inclusive & Empowered Bangsamoro

From Fragmentation to Partnership: The Case for the CSO Act

For years, the engagement between the Bangsamoro Government and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) has been vital, yet often fragmented, sector-specific, and inconsistent. A comprehensive mapping study revealed the absence of a standardized, centralized system, leading to missed opportunities for deep collaboration. This lack of a unified framework meant that the invaluable insights and ground-level expertise of CSOs were not being systematically integrated into governance. The Bangsamoro Civil Society Engagement Act was created to directly address this gap.

This landmark legislation is not just a policy enhancement; it is the fulfillment of a core mandate. It is anchored in the Bangsamoro Organic Law (RA 11054), which champions participatory governance, and is reinforced by the 1987 Philippine Constitution. The Act aligns with the foundational principles of Moral Governance and the Bangsamoro Development Plan, establishing a clear legal and ethical framework for a more collaborative and responsive government.

By institutionalizing the role of CSOs, this Act will fundamentally transform the landscape of governance in the Bangsamoro region. It moves beyond token participation to foster genuine, sustained partnership. The law will ensure that diverse voices from every sector—including youth, women, Indigenous Peoples, and grassroots organizations—have a formal and influential seat at the table. This will lead to more inclusive policies, greater transparency in government processes, and a stronger sense of shared ownership over the region's development, ultimately building a more vibrant and empowered Bangsamoro for all.

The Solution: The Bangsamoro CSO Coordinating Office (BCCO)

At the heart of this Act is the creation of the BCCO, a central body under the Office of the Chief Minister designed to be the primary hub for all CSO engagement.

Core Functions of the BCCO

Liaison & Coordination

Serves as the official bridge between CSOs and the Bangsamoro Government.

Accreditation & Registry

Manages a transparent, centralized registry of all recognized CSOs.

Capacity Building & Support

Provides training and technical assistance to empower CSOs.

Monitoring & Evaluation

Tracks the impact of CSO participation to ensure effectiveness.

The Act guarantees CSOs a seat at the table in key decision-making bodies, ensuring their voices are heard where it matters most.

Key Mechanisms for Engagement

Tiered Accreditation

An inclusive system to ensure both new and established CSOs can participate.

Level 3: Fully Compliant & Funding Eligible
Level 2: Established with Track Record
Level 1: Provisional for New/Informal CSOs

Mandatory Consultations

A required, bi-annual process for all ministries to ensure policies are informed by community needs.

1. Ministry Initiates Policy
↓
2. Consults Accredited CSOs
↓
3. Reports Back on Input

Earmarked Funding

To ensure equitable support, the Act reserves funds for the most vital community organizations.

Strengthened by the Voices of CSOs: The Impact of Consultation

This bill is the outcome of an ongoing collaborative effort. Feedback from legal experts, CSOs, and community leaders across the region is actively being gathered and incorporated to shape a law that is inclusive, accountable, and effective.

The graph reflects the volume of stakeholder inputs pertaining to proposed recommendations for statutory revisions.

Key Recommendations from Series of Consultations

Institutional Strengthening

  • 🏛️Decentralized Operations via Provincial Liaison Officers.
  • ⚖️Creation of a Grievance Redress Mechanism.
  • 💻Development of a Public Online Portal for transparency.
  • 🎓Establishment of a "CSO Academy" for capacity building.

Inclusivity & Fair Representation

  • 📊Adoption of a Tiered Accreditation System.
  • 🔄Rotational terms for CSO representatives to prevent monopoly.
  • 🌍Mobile consultations to reach Geographically Isolated Areas (GIDAs).
  • 🗣️Inclusion of more sectors (Youth, Women, IPs, Madaris).

Accountability & Empowerment

  • 💰Earmarked funding (at least 30%) for grassroots CSOs.
  • 💡Creation of a CSO Innovation Fund for new solutions.
  • 🛡️Whistleblower Protection and safety for CSO workers.
  • ⏳A "Sunset Review Clause" to review the law every 5 years.

The Legislative Roadmap

This bill is the culmination of a multi-stage process of consultation and refinement that began in May 2025 and will continue through its deliberation in the Bangsamoro Parliament.

Apr 28-30, 2025
Inception Meeting
Initial planning and orientation session to align objectives, stakeholders, and timelines for the CSO Act process, held in Davao City.
May 15-18, 2025
Legal Consultation
Legal experts conducted a detailed review of the draft framework to ensure compliance with existing laws and best practices, held in Davao City.
June 10-12, 2025
Sectoral Consultation
Consultations with representatives from key sectors to gather targeted feedback and recommendations for the Act, held in Cotabato City.
July 7-9, 2025
Provincial Consultation
Engagement with stakeholders in Lanao del Sur and Marawi to ensure local perspectives are integrated into the legislative process, held in Marawi City.
July 25-29, 2025
Regional Consultation
Regional consultations will be held in Basilan and Tawi-Tawi to broaden participation and validate proposals across the region.
August 2025
Technical Drafting
Focused and final consultations followed by a technical drafting workshop.
August (3rd week) 2025
Finalization & Submission
Final draft presented for public validation before official submission to the Bangsamoro Parliament.
September 2025 Onwards
Parliamentary Deliberation
The bill begins its journey through the legislative process, including First Reading and committee meetings.

Republic of the Philippines
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao
BANGSAMORO TRANSITION AUTHORITY
Cotabato City


Fourth Regular Session


BTA PARLIAMENT
BTA Parliament Bill No. ________

Introduced by:​​​​​​​
 MP ABDULBASIT R. BENITO, MPSA


Co-authored by:
 MP ________________________



AN ACT INSTITUTIONALIZING CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS’ ENGAGEMENT IN GOVERNANCE IN THE BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION IN MUSLIM MINDANAO, ESTABLISHING A BANGSAMORO CSO COORDINATING OFFICE,AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES



WHEREAS, the 1987 Philippine Constitution, particularly Section 16, Article XIII, mandates the State to promote the right of people's organizations to participate in decision-making processes affecting their interests;


WHEREAS, Republic Act No. 11054, also known as the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), mandates participatory governance and civil society involvement in decision-making, ensuring that CSOs play a role in shaping regional development policies in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM);


WHEREAS, Section 34 of Republic Act No. 7160, or the Local Government Code of 1991, emphasizes the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and people's organizations (POs) as partners of local governments in development and governance;


WHEREAS, Republic Act No. 6713, or a the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, underscores the importance of transparency, accountability, and participatory governance in public service;


WHEREAS, the Bangsamoro Government recognizes the critical role of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in governance, peacebuilding, policy advocacy, and social development within BARMM;


NOW, THEREFORE,

Be it enacted by the Parliament of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim assembled:


Section 1. Title. This Act shall be known as the “Bangsamoro Civil Society Engagement Act of 2025”.


Section 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is thereby declared the policy of the Bangsamoro Government to recognize CSOs as active partners in governance, peacebuilding, and development and to institutionalize mechanisms for CSO participation in decision-making processes and ensure transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in public administration.


Section 3. Definition of Terms. - For the purpose of this Act, the following terms shall mean:

      (a) Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) – Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), people’s organizations (POs), advocacy groups, faith-based organizations, and other non-state actors engaged in governance and development.

      (b) Bangsamoro CSO Coordinating Office (BCCO) – A regional office mandated to facilitate and regulate CSO participation in governance.

      (c) Participatory Governance – A system in which CSOs actively engage in decision-making, policy

             formulation, and public service implementation.


Section 4. Bangsamoro CSO Coordinating Office (BCCO). – There is hereby created a Bangsamoro CSO Coordinating Office (BCCO) and shall be established under the Office of the Chief Minister.


Section 5. Functions. -  The Bangsamoro CSO Coordinating Office (BCCO) shall perform the following functions:

  1. (1) Serve as a liaison office between CSOs and the Bangsamoro Government.
  2. (2) Maintain a registry of accredited CSOs operating within BARMM.
  3. (3) Facilitate regular consultations between CSOs and government agencies.
  4. (4) Provide technical assistance and capacity-building programs for CSOs.
  5. (5) Monitor and evaluate the impact of CSO participation in governance.


Section 6. Composition. – The Bangsamoro CSO Coordinating Office (BCCO) shall be composed of the following key personnel, subject to existing civil service rules and applicable laws:

  1. (1) Executive Director – shall serve as the head of office, responsible for the overall strategic leadership, administration, and implementation of programs and activities.

  2. (2)Deputy Executive Director – shall assist the Executive Director in the performance of duties and assume responsibilities in the absence of the latter.

  3. (3) Head, Policy and Advocacy Division – shall oversee the formulation of policies, conduct of policy research, and engagement with the Parliament and other government bodies on CSO-related matters.

  4. (4) Head, Programs and Partnerships Division – shall be in charge of coordinating programs, projects, and partnerships with civil society organizations, development partners, and relevant agencies.

  5. (5) Head, Monitoring and Evaluation Division – shall supervise the monitoring, assessment, and reporting of CSO engagements and program outcomes.

  6. (6) Legal Officer – shall provide legal assistance and ensure compliance with relevant laws, policies, and administrative regulations.
  7. (7) Finance and Administrative Officer – shall manage the office’s financial transactions, human resources, logistics, and general administrative requirements.

  8. (8) Communications and Public Affairs Officer – shall handle information dissemination, media relations, and public engagement efforts.

  9. (9) Community Liaison Officers (per province or special geographic area) – shall serve as field representatives facilitating CSO engagement at the local level.

  10. (10) Support Staff – including but not limited to administrative aides, clerks, and utility personnel, as may be necessary for the efficient operation of the Office.


         The number and specific functions of personnel may be adjusted based on the approved organizational structure and staffing pattern, as endorsed by the Ministry of Finance, Budget and Management (MFBM) and approved by the appropriate authorities


Section 7. CSO Representation in Decision-Making Bodies. The accredited CSOs shall be granted representation in decision-making bodies within BARMM, including but not limited to:


  1. (1) Bangsamoro Economic Development Council (BEDC)
  2. (2) Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) Advisory Board
  3. (3) Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission (BHRC) Advisory Group
  4. (4) We can add more here…

The CSO representatives shall be selected through a democratic process among accredited CSOs.


Section 8. Mandatory Government-CSO Consultations. - all Bangsamoro ministries and agencies shall conduct bi-annual consultations with accredited CSOs to ensure participatory decision-making and the BCCO shall oversee and document these consultations to ensure transparency and accountability.


Section 9. CSO Accreditation and Recognition. - the BCCO shall establish clear accreditation guidelines for CSOs to ensure legitimacy and accountability. Only accredited CSOs shall be eligible for:

  1. (1) Representation in decision-making bodies.
  2. (2) Government-CSO funding partnerships.
  3. (3) Policy advocacy platforms within BARMM.


Section 10. Funding and Resource Allocation. - the Bangsamoro Government shall allocate an annual budget to support CSO engagement programs. The Ministry of Finance, Budget, and Management (MFBM) shall ensure timely disbursement of funds to accredited CSOs for governance-related projects.


Section 11. Monitoring and Accountability Mechanisms. - the Bangsamoro Parliament shall create a CSO Oversight Committee to assess the implementation of this Act.


Section 12. Annual Report to the Parliament. - the BCCO shall submit an annual report to the Bangsamoro Parliament detailing:

  1. (1) The status of CSO participation in governance.
  2. (2) Challenges encountered and recommendations for policy improvement.
  3. (3) Financial accountability reports for CSO-related programs.


Section 13. Implementation. - Within sixty days from the effectivity of this Act, the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) shall formulate the necessary implementing rules and regulations (IRR). The CSOs shall be consulted in the drafting of the IRR to ensure inclusivity.


Section 14. Penalties for Non-Compliance. - any government official or agency that fails to implement this Act without valid justification shall be subject to administrative sanctions.


Accredited CSOs found guilty of misuse of government resources, fraudulent activities, or misrepresentation shall have their accreditation revoked and may face legal consequences.


Section 15. Separability Clause. - if, for any reason, any part of this Act is declared unconstitutional or contrary to the provisions of the Bangsamoro Organic Law, the remaining provisions shall remain in force and effect.


Section 16. Repealing Clause. - all laws, orders, rules, and regulations which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, modified, superseded, or amended accordingly.


Section 17. Effectivity Clause. -this Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete publication in a newspaper of general circulation in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.




ADOPTED,


ABDULBASIT R. BENITO, MPSA
Author



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IMPORTANT NOTICE: RESTRICTED DOCUMENT – FOR CONSULTATION PURPOSES ONLY


This document is a working draft of the proposed “Bangsamoro Civil Society Engagement Act of 2025” and is intended solely for consultation purposes. It is not a final, approved, or enacted law, and its contents are subject to change. Recipients are strictly prohibited from distributing, copying, reproducing, or publicly presenting this draft without written authorization from the Bangsamoro Government’s legislative body. Unauthorized circulation may cause confusion and compromise the integrity of the legislative process. The official version will be released upon formal enactment. Your compliance with these restrictions is essential to the responsible development of this legislation. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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