Attorney General's Office-BARMM

08/09/2026

𝐁𝐀𝐆𝐎 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐞𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐢’𝐚𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐬-𝐚𝐭-𝐋𝐚𝐰

The Bangsamoro Attorney General’s Office (BAGO) successfully conducted the fourth and final leg of its Focus Group Discussions on the proposed Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility for Shari’ah Counselors-at-Law on September 4, 2026, at L’Meridian Suites in Zamboanga City.

The session was organized to accommodate participants from the islands and surrounding areas and to ensure that the perspectives of stakeholders from different Shari’ah practice communities were represented in the continuing development of the proposed Code.

This final consultation was led by Assistant Attorney General Mohammad Al-Amin M. Julkipli. The BAGO team likewise included members of the Legal Research and Opinion Division and other personnel involved in the development of the proposed Code.

Following the same substantive and collaborative format adopted in the previous focus group discussions held in Manila, Cagayan de Oro City, and Cotabato City, the Zamboanga City consultation brought together Shari’ah practitioners, scholars, advocates, members of the Shari’ah community, and other relevant stakeholders. Their participation provided valuable, practical, and community-based insights on the ethical responsibilities and professional standards that should govern Shari’ah counselors-at-law.

The discussions focused on the proposed salient features of the Code, including the principles of competence, integrity, independence, diligence, accountability, fidelity to clients, respect for the courts, fairness, professionalism, and the promotion of public trust in the Shari’ah justice system.

The participants also examined the importance of developing ethical standards that are responsive to the realities of Shari’ah practice, faithful to Islamic legal principles, consistent with the Constitution and the national legal order, and supportive of access to justice and the continuing institutional development of the Shari’ah justice system.

With the completion of the four focus group discussions, BAGO will conduct a writeshop and finalization session before the end of September 2026. The activity will consolidate, review, and harmonize the inputs gathered from all four consultations to ensure that the relevant and validated recommendations are properly considered and incorporated into the proposed Code.

The final draft will thereafter be transmitted to the Supreme Court Technical Working Group on Shari’ah for appropriate action.

BAGO is grateful to all the participants and stakeholders who contributed their time, expertise, experiences, and insights throughout the consultation process. Their collective participation has helped ensure that the proposed Code is grounded in authentic and validated inputs from Shari’ah practitioners and the Shari’ah community themselves.

The completion of the final consultation marks an important milestone in BAGO’s continuing efforts to strengthen professional responsibility, institutional integrity, and public trust in Shari’ah practice. It likewise reflects the shared commitment of stakeholders to build a stronger, more responsive, and more unified Shari’ah justice system in the Philippines.

BAGO remains committed to advancing ethical legal practice, meaningful stakeholder participation, access to justice, and the continuing development of the Shari’ah justice system for the Bangsamoro and the Filipino people.

04/09/2026

The Bangsamoro Attorney General’s Office (BAGO) joined the celebration of the 126th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary and Foundation Day on September 3, 2026, through its “Kape, Pandesal at Usapang Legal” activity, spearheaded by the Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) Division, and held at KCC Mall of Cotabato, Cotabato City.

The activity brought legal services closer to the community by providing a welcoming space for Libreng Serbisyo Legal: Legal Advice and Consultation, Notarization, and Shari’ah Consultation.

Through this initiative, BAGO continues to promote accessible legal services and public awareness of legal rights and remedies, reflecting its commitment to responsive and people-centered public service.

As we celebrate the dedication and contributions of public servants, BAGO remains committed to upholding justice, integrity, and excellence in public service for the Bangsamoro people.

𝘚𝘦𝘳𝘣𝘪𝘴𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘭𝘦𝘨𝘢𝘭, 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘢𝘣𝘶𝘭𝘶𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘵 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘢 𝘴𝘢 𝘉𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘴𝘢𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘰!

02/09/2026

☕⚖️ 𝐊𝐀𝐏𝐄, 𝐏𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐒𝐀𝐋 𝐀𝐓 𝐔𝐒𝐀𝐏𝐀𝐍𝐆 𝐋𝐄𝐆𝐀𝐋 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔

In celebration of the 𝟏𝟐𝟔𝐭𝐡 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐂𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐥 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐲, the Bangsamoro Attorney General’s Office (BAGO) invites everyone to join us for a meaningful free legal assistance and consultation.

Enjoy a cup of coffee and pandesal while availing of:
⚖️ Free Legal Advice and Consultation
📄 Free Notarization of Simple Documents

📅 September 3, 2026
🕘 9:00 AM – 12:00 NN
📍 KCC Mall of Cotabato – Convention and Events Center

Come with your legal concerns and questions, and let’s make this celebration an opportunity to bring accessible legal services closer to the community.

See you there! ☕🥐⚖️

𝘚𝘦𝘳𝘣𝘪𝘴𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘭𝘦𝘨𝘢𝘭, 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘢𝘣𝘶𝘭𝘶𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘵 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘢 𝘴𝘢 𝘉𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘴𝘢𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘰!

25/08/2026

𝐔𝐩𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝙎𝒉𝙖𝒓𝙞'𝙖𝒉 𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐡: 𝐁𝐀𝐆𝐎 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐝 𝐋𝐞𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐢'𝐚𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐬-𝐚𝐭-𝐋𝐚𝐰

COTABATO CITY — The administration of Shari’ah justice is more than the application of legal rules; it is an amanah, or sacred trust, that demands integrity, accountability, competence, and the highest degree of ethical discipline.

This was underscored by Bangsamoro Attorney General Atty. Bantuas M. Lucman as the Bangsamoro Attorney General’s Office (BAGO), in partnership with the Legal Liaison Network (LLN), convened the third leg of its Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on the development of the proposed Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility for Shari’ah Counselors-at-Law on August 25, 2026, at the Nursalam Function Hall of the Al-Nor Convention Hotel in Cotabato City.

The Cotabato City consultation followed the earlier FGD sessions held in Manila and Cagayan de Oro City, bringing the proposed ethical framework closer to the communities and institutions at the heart of Shari’ah practice in the Bangsamoro.

Atty. Lucman stressed that Shari’ah is not merely a body of legal rules. It is, he said, a moral and ethical system that calls on its practitioners to carry out their duties with honesty, professionalism, competence, and ethical discipline.

“The administration of justice is an amanah,” he emphasized, framing the responsibility of Shari’ah counselors-at-law as a public and professional trust owed not only to clients and courts, but also to the Bangsamoro community.

He added that the proposed Code must affirm the practice of Shari’ah as a form of service, one that deserves and sustains the confidence of the Bangsamoro people. BAGO, he said, aims to submit the final version of the proposed Code to the Supreme Court after completing the consultation process.

The Cotabato session gathered Shari’ah court officials, members of the Philippine Integrated Shari’ah Lawyers, representatives of the Bangsamoro Shari’ah Lawyers League, the Bangsamoro Darul Ifta, the Ministry of Social Services and Development, and other stakeholders from the legal and justice sectors.

BAGO Attorney IV and Shari’ah Counselor-at-Law Atty. Mohamad Rayyan M. Domado presented the salient features of the proposed Code, outlining the ethical and professional standards envisioned for Shari’ah counselors-at-law. Aleem Hisham P. Masacal, Shari’ah Counselor-at-Law and BAGO Technical and Policy Consultant, followed with a discussion on comparative legal research and regulatory frameworks that may help strengthen the proposed professional standards.

The discussion proper was facilitated by Atty. Zeny-Linda S. Nandu, Shari’ah Counselor-at-Law. Participants engaged in substantive exchanges on professional conduct, ethical responsibility, accountability, and the institutional values necessary to reinforce public trust in Shari’ah practice.

In his closing remarks, Bangsamoro Assistant Attorney General Atty. Mohammad Al-Amin M. Julkipli thanked the participants for their active engagement and valuable contributions, emphasizing the importance of a consultative process in shaping a Code responsive to the realities of Shari’ah practice.

With the third leg completed, BAGO moves forward with its consultations toward a proposed Code that is grounded in the ethical foundations of Shari’ah and responsive to the professional obligations of Shari’ah counselors-at-law. The initiative forms part of BAGO’s continuing efforts to strengthen the Shari’ah justice system and advance a practice of law worthy of the trust of the Bangsamoro people.

19/08/2026

16/08/2026

𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐎𝐅 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐌𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐎𝐅 𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐒𝐀𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐎 𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐍𝐄𝐘 𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐋 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐂𝐔𝐑𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐃𝐄𝐏𝐔𝐓𝐘 𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐔𝐀𝐒 𝐋𝐔𝐂𝐌𝐀𝐍 𝐎𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐈𝐍𝐂𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐈𝐍𝐕𝐎𝐋𝐕𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐄𝐅 𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐀𝐁𝐃𝐔𝐋𝐑𝐀𝐎𝐅 𝐀. 𝐌𝐀𝐂𝐀𝐂𝐔𝐀

I strongly condemn the reported ambush against the convoy of Chief Minister Abdulraof A. Macacua and his security team in Barangay Bitu, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte.

As Bangsamoro Attorney General and Concurrent Acting Deputy Minister of MBHTE, I view this incident with grave concern because an attack against the head of the Bangsamoro Government is an attack against the rule of law and the institutions of government. Whatever disagreement may exist, violence can never be a lawful means of settling political or personal differences. Every person, regardless of position, is entitled to the protection of the law.

As Acting Minister of the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education, Interim Chief Minister Macacua also carries the responsibility of leading the government’s efforts for our learners, teachers, and education workers. The safety and security of those who lead our institutions matter because government must remain capable of delivering essential services, including education, without fear or disruption.

Our schools teach young Bangsamoro learners to respect human dignity, resolve differences peacefully, and uphold the rule of law. These values must also guide the conduct of public life. Violence must never become a model for our children or a means by which disputes are resolved.

I call on the appropriate authorities to conduct a thorough, impartial, and evidence-based investigation into the incident. Those responsible must be identified and held accountable in accordance with law and due process. As Attorney General, I reaffirm that justice must be pursued through our legal institutions and established processes.

I stand with Interim Chief Minister Macacua, his family, his security personnel, and the Bangsamoro Government. I likewise stand with our teachers, education workers, parents, and learners who deserve a government that remains present, stable, and committed to their welfare.

At this time, we must remain calm and allow the authorities to establish the facts. We must reject speculation and allow evidence to guide the pursuit of justice.

The work of government continues. The responsibility to educate our children continues. And our duty to uphold the rule of law remains firm.

𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐔𝐀𝐒 𝐌. 𝐋𝐔𝐂𝐌𝐀𝐍
Bangsamoro Attorney General
Concurrent Deputy Minister, MBHTE

16/08/2026

𝐁𝐀𝐆𝐎 𝐒𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐓𝐰𝐨-𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐟𝐟 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤 (𝐂𝐒𝐖) 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠

The Office of the Bangsamoro Attorney General (BAGO) successfully concluded its two-day Completed Staff Work (CSW) Training with the theme, "Enhancing Professional Communication and Decision-Making Through Completed Staff Work."

Over the course of two days, BAGO employees gained valuable knowledge and practical skills in CSW, Technical Writing, Gender and Development (GAD), effective communication, and sound decision-making through insightful lectures, interactive workshops, role-playing activities, group presentations, and writing exercises.

The activity was made more meaningful by the presence of Bangsamoro Attorney General Bantuas M. Lucman, who, despite his equally significant responsibilities as the Deputy Minsiter of the MBHTE, took time to personally inspire the participants and reconnect with the BAGO family. His message emphasizing professionalism, accountability, teamwork, and commitment to public service touched the hearts of everyone, particularly his heartfelt words: “Na-miss ko kayo nang sobra at ayaw ko nang dugtungan dahil baka maiyak ako.”

The training culminated in the recognition of outstanding performances, bringing the activity to a joyful close filled with laughter, appreciation, and a strengthened sense of unity.

BAGO extends its sincere gratitude to our esteemed resource speakers, Atty. Yasmin M. Abdulkarim, CPA, and Ms. Clariza B. Paltinca, CPA, for generously sharing their expertise and inspiring us to continuously strive for excellence.
May the knowledge and skills gained from this training further strengthen our commitment to professional excellence, responsive governance, and people-centered public service for the Bangsamoro.

Together, we continue to learn, grow, and serve with excellence.

10/08/2026

𝐁𝐀𝐆𝐎 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐬 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐞𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐢’𝐚𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐬-𝐚𝐭-𝐋𝐚𝐰

The Bangsamoro Attorney General’s Office (BAGO) successfully conducted the second leg of its Focus Group Discussions on the proposed Code of Ethics for Shari’ah Counselors-at-Law on August 6 and 7, 2026, in Cagayan de Oro City.

The consultation brought together prominent Shari’ah advocates, scholars, practitioners, and enthusiasts, primarily from Lanao del Sur and nearby cities, including Iligan City and Cagayan de Oro City. Their participation enriched the discussions with practical insights and diverse perspectives from communities directly engaged with the Shari’ah justice system.

In his welcome remarks, Bangsamoro Attorney General Bantuas M. Lucman emphasized that the undertaking is not merely a technical drafting exercise. Rather, it is an institutional effort to strengthen the foundations of the Philippine Shari’ah justice system, improve access to justice, and ensure that its continuing development remains faithful to Islamic legal principles, the Constitution, and the national legal order.

The first day continued the consultation on the proposed Code of Ethics, following the same substantive and collaborative format adopted during the inaugural focus group discussion held at the Supreme Court in Manila. Atty. Mohamad Rayyan M. Domado, SCL presented the proposed salient features of the Code, while Aleem Hisham P. Masacal, SCL, Technical and Policy Consultant for BAGO, discussed comparative legal research and regulatory frameworks.

The discussions were facilitated by Atty. Zeny-Linda S. Nandu, whose guidance helped foster an open, focused, and meaningful exchange among the participants.

The discussions highlighted the need for ethical standards that will promote competence, integrity, independence, diligence, accountability, respect for the court, fidelity to clients, and fairness in the administration of justice.

A distinct feature of this second leg was the brainstorming and consultation held on the final day regarding the potential drafting of a Criminal Law on Ta’zir Offenses. Although separate from the proposed Code of Ethics, the discussion generated constructive ideas and practical insights on the possible development of a clear, fair, and workable legal framework for minor Ta’zir offenses, consistent with the Constitution and the national legal order. The Bangsamoro Organic Law recognizes the jurisdiction of Shari’ah Circuit Courts over Ta’zir offenses defined and punished under Shari’ah law enacted by the Parliament, where the penalty is arresto menor, the corresponding fine, or both.

The brainstorming session was engaging and productive, allowing participants to identify issues, raise concerns, and contribute ideas that may inform future policy and legislative work.

At the conclusion of the program, Atty. Najirah P. Masacal-Moslem, head of BAGO’s Legal Research and Opinion Division, thanked all participants and received their closing statements and commitments to support the continuing development of the proposed Code.

The Cagayan de Oro consultation marks another important step in BAGO’s continuing reform and institution-building agenda. It affirms that the strengthening of the Shari’ah justice system must be grounded in meaningful consultation, principled lawmaking, professional responsibility, and the lived experiences of the communities it serves.

01/08/2026

OPISYAL NA PAHAYAG

Malugod na tinatanggap ng Tanggapan ng Bangsamoro Attorney General ang mga desisyon ng Korte Suprema kaugnay ng mga petisyong kumukuwestiyon sa Bangsamoro Act No. 58 at Bangsamoro Act No. 77. Ang mga pasyang ito ay nagbigay ng malinaw at pinal na gabay sa mga usaping legal na may kinalaman sa mga naunang batas sa parliamentary districting at muling pinagtibay ang kahalagahan ng pagtalima sa Konstitusyon at sa tuntunin ng batas.

Dahil sa mga desisyong ito, malinaw na ngayon na ang Bangsamoro Act No. 86 ang umiiral na batas sa parliamentary districting na gagamitin sa kauna-unahang Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections. Ang katiyakang ito sa batas ay mahalaga upang matiyak ang maayos, mapayapa, at kapani-paniwalang paghahanda at pagsasagawa ng halalan.

Patuloy na naninindigan ang Tanggapan ng Bangsamoro Attorney General sa pagtataguyod ng Konstitusyon, paggalang sa awtonomiya ng Bangsamoro, at pagbibigay ng wastong legal na patnubay upang matiyak ang tapat at ganap na pagpapatupad ng mga desisyon ng Korte Suprema. Hinihikayat namin ang lahat ng mga institusyon at mamamayan na magkaisa sa pagsusulong ng isang malaya, patas, mapayapa, at kapani-paniwalang halalan.

Ang paghahari ng batas ang matibay na saligan ng kapayapaan, mabuting pamamahala, at isang mas matatag na Bangsamoro.

Pagpalain ang Bangsamoro!

𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐘. 𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐔𝐀𝐒 𝐌. 𝐋𝐔𝐂𝐌𝐀𝐍
Bangsamoro Attorney General

31/07/2026

𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐢’𝐚𝐡 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞: 𝐁𝐀𝐆𝐎 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐬 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐅𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐢’𝐚𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐬-𝐚𝐭-𝐋𝐚𝐰

The Bangsamoro Attorney General’s Office (BAGO) successfully conducted the first in a series of focus group discussions for the development of the proposed Code of Ethics for Shari’ah Counselors-at-Law on July 30, 2026, at the Supreme Court of the Philippines in Manila.

The initiative, undertaken pursuant to the directive of Bangsamoro Attorney General Atty. Bantuas M. Lucman, seeks to establish clear, principled, and professionally grounded ethical standards for Shari’ah practitioners throughout the country.

The project is likewise anchored on the findings and recommendations contained in the Supreme Court’s Institutional Review and Assessment of the Shari’ah Justice System, which was presented during BAGO’s 1st Continuing Shari’ah Legal Education held in Davao City from June 11 to 13, 2026. These findings and recommendations provide an important institutional foundation for the continuing strengthening, professionalization, and development of the Shari’ah justice system.

The BAGO delegation was led by the Legal Research and Opinion Division, headed by Atty. Najirah P. Masacal-Moslem. Among the distinguished participants were representatives from the academe, the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, the Office of the Bar Confidant, the judiciary, Islamic institutions, and individuals actively engaged in Shari’ah practice.

The program featured a presentation on the proposed salient features of the Code by Atty. Mohamad Rayyan M. Domado of BAGO. This was followed by a discussion on comparative legal research and regulatory frameworks led by Aleem Hisham Masacal, Technical and Policy Consultant for BAGO.

The entire discussion was facilitated by BAGO’s engaged facilitator, Atty. Zeny-Linda Nandu. Through an open, substantive, and constructive dialogue, the participants examined the ethical responsibilities, professional standards, and institutional values that should guide Shari’ah counselors-at-law in the exercise of their practice.

The focus group discussion was further honored by the presence of Supreme Court Associate Justice Japar B. Dimaampao. In his message, Justice Dimaampao underscored the profound and continuing impact of the Shari’ah justice system on the Philippine legal order. He emphasized that Shari’ah institutionalizes diversity within national unity, expands access to justice, protects minority rights, and contributes to greater national harmony.

Justice Dimaampao also highlighted that the Shari’ah justice system demonstrates how religious law may meaningfully coexist with a secular legal order within a democratic state. His remarks encouraged the participants to appreciate and articulate the wider constitutional, social, and legal significance of Shari’ah whenever the role of the system in the Philippine legal framework is discussed.

The development of the Code is consistent with the continuing strengthening of the Shari’ah justice system under the Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, which provides for the practice of law before shari’ah courts by Shari’ah counselors-at-law and qualified members of the Philippine Bar.

This Manila session is only the beginning. Subsequent focus group discussions are scheduled to take place in Cagayan de Oro City, Cotabato City, and Zamboanga City, ensuring that the proposed Code reflects the experiences, insights, and aspirations of stakeholders from different areas of Shari’ah practice and the broader justice sector.

BAGO targets to submit the final version of the proposed Code to the Supreme Court Technical Working Group on Shari’ah in September 2026. The draft is likewise expected to be presented during the first National Shari’ah Convention, anticipated to be convened by the Supreme Court within the year.

At the close of the program, all participants delivered their respective closing statements, reaffirming their commitment to the development of an ethical framework that will promote competence, integrity, accountability, professionalism, and public trust among Shari’ah counselors-at-law nationwide.

The project represents an important step toward a stronger, more unified, and more responsive Shari’ah justice system—one that remains faithful to its Islamic legal foundations while advancing the values of justice, equality, inclusion, and the rule of law.
BAGO remains committed to building institutions, strengthening professional standards, and advancing access to justice for the Bangsamoro and the Filipino people.