Bangsamoro Autonomy Act No. 81

P.B. No. 355

Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Republic of the Philippines

BANGSAMORO TRANSITION AUTHORITY PARLIAMENT

Bangsamoro Government Center, Cotabato City

FOURTH REGULAR SESSION

BANGSAMORO AUTONOMY ACT NO.81

Begun and held in Cotabato City,on Thursday, the 15th day of September 2022

AN ACTESTABLISHINGAND INSTITUTIONALIZINGTHESALAMAT EXCELLENCE AWARD FOR LEADERSHIP PROGRAM FOR THE

BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION IN MUSLIM MINDANAO, AND ALLOCATING FOR THIS PURPOSE THE SALAMAT EXCELLENCE AWARD FOR LEADERSHIP ENDOWMENT FUND

Bc it enacted by the Bangsamoro Transition Authority Parliament in session assembled

SECTION 1.Short Title.-This Act shall be known as The Salamat Excellence Award for Leadership Act of 2025.

SEC.2.Declaration of Policy.-It is the policy of the Bangsamoro Government to recognize and institutionalize exemplary leadership in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao BARMM that embodies moral governance, accountability, and inclusive development.Consistent with this basic policy, the Bangsamoro Government hereby establishes the Salamat Excellence Award for Leadership (SEAL Program to honor outstanding leaders who exemplify the Bangsamoro's aspirations for self-determination, peace, and progress.

SEC.3.The Salamat Excellence Award for Leadership.-The SEAL is the highest leadership award, incentive, honor, and recognition-based program for all leaders in the BARMM, and is a continuing commitment for leaders to continually progress and improve their leadership in the following domains:

a) Accountable Leadership - the awardee must demonstrate the capacity to embody the behavior by adhering to the principles of transparency, honesty, accountability, integrity, principle of accountable leadership by strictly adhering to law, thoughtfully considering the vicegerency, flexibility, moderation, and righteousness; local leaders who show extraordinary public service and consistently demonstrate moral ethical and moral dimensions of decision-making, and being willing to accept the consequences of thosc decisions and actions. This principle applies to all leaders or any

b)Participatory Leadership -- the awardee should value the principle of participation in the decision-making process. This entails strengthening special bodies, adhering compliance to disclosure policy, and fostering community involvement and empowerment.The leader

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potential among his/her diverse stakeholders. This includes ensuring that stakeholders should exhibit the ability to inspire others to bring in new ideas, engage inclusively with stakeholders in co-creating decisions and solutions, and build trust and tap the fullest actively collaborate and contribute to effective and efficient problem-solving in the community. Further, this domain refers to a leader who demonstrates extraordinary public service and consistent moral behavior guided by principles of participation, justness, fairness and equity,consultation,consensus building, inclusiveness,and gender sensitivity; and

c) Service-Oriented Leadership-the awardec must demonstrate significant verifiable results

on the primacy of the common good through decision-making and effectively fulfill his/her responsibilities in providing essential services to his/her constituents. This includes establishing accessible frontline services for clients. This domain also refers to a leader who exemplifies extraordinary public service and consistent moral behavior based on principles of efficiency, effectiveness, general welfare,responsiveness,justice, fairness, equity, and delivering excellent service to his/her people.

SEC.4.Definition of Terms.-As used in this Act, the following terms shall mean

a)First Level Assessment-refers to the initial screening and verification phase conducted by the Technical Working Group (TWG under the SEAL Program.It serves as the first formal evaluation stage, ensuring that candidates meet basic eligibility criteria and submit complete, compliant documentation.

b)"Salamat Excellence Award for Leadership Awardee"-refers to the leader who receives

the SEAL Award as determined by the Selection Committee after going through the Third Level Assessment.

c)"Salamat Excellence Award for Leadership Awardee Candidate"-refers to the leader who was nominated for the SEAL by the Validation Team after going through the Second Level

Assessment.

d) "Salamat Excellence Award for Leadership Awardee Endowment Fund"- refers to the Shari'ah-compliant and/or in accordance with the principles of Islamic financing investment fund established for the incentivization of the SEAL Awardec.

e)Second Level Assessment"- refers to the rigorous evaluation phase conducted by the Validation Team under the SEAL Program, involving onsite verification and scoring based on leadership competencies. It ensures that candidates not only meet documentary

requirements but also demonstrate authentic leadership achievements aligned with the program's standards.

fSelection Committee-refers to the final decision-making body under the SEAL Program tasked with evaluating validated candidates and selecting the most outstanding awardee

transparent, and rigorous selection process through review, interviews, and deliberation. based on merit, leadership qualities, and compliance with program criteria. It ensures a fair,

g)"Technical Working Group refers to a specialized body cstablished within the Ministry of Interior and Local Government (MILG under its Operations Management Service,

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responsible for ensuring the effective execution of the program through coordination, assessment, validation, and documentation processes. tasked with implementing the SEAL Program. The TWG serves as the operational arm

h"Third Level Assessment-refers to the final evaluation stage of the SEAL Program in-depth interviews and holistic leadership evaluation. This phase focuses on assessing a conducted by the Selection Committee to determine the most outstanding candidate through candidate's ability to articulate their leadership philosophy, achievements, and alignment

with the SEAL Program's core values.

"Validation Team"--refers to a special body responsible for conducting a rigorous, second- authenticate, and assess the qualifications and accomplishments of applicants through document reviews, onsite validations, and stakeholder consultations, ensuring transparency and credibility in the selection process. level evaluation of candidates under the SEAL Program. Its primary role is to verify,

following duties and functions: under the Operations Management Service,to implement the SEAL Program.The TWG shall have the SEC.5.The Technical Working Group.-There is hereby created a TWG within the MILG

a Provide Information, Education, and Communication materials regarding the SEAI

program;

b Facilitate the creation and revision of the tools, criteria, rules, and guidelines for the

validation and selection process of the program;

c The Provincial Focal Person shall receive applications and endorse them to the regional

office;

d Review application documents and other materials submitted for completeness and

compliance with the provided formats;

e Conduct First Level Assessment to verify candidates and, if necessary,secure additional

relevant documents to validate the authenticity of the submitted application materials;

f Initiate coordination and convene the Validation Team and Selection Committee for the

implementation of pertinent activities: Transforming Governance, Empowering the Bangsamoro;

g) Present and endorse the application documents for eligible and qualified candidates to the Validation Team;

h Assist the Validation Team in the onsite validation and assessment of candidates

i Assist the Selection Committee in the final assessment of the candidates and serve as the

Secretariat during the deliberations;

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j)Maintain a database of the results of assessments for shortlisting and final selection;

k) Prepare a Terminal Report on the procedures conducted by the Validation Team and Selection Committee;

1Organize the official awarding ceremony;and

m) Prepare other necessary documents required throughout the entire selection process.

SEC.6.The Validation Team.-There shall be established a Validation Team composed of the Director II for Operations Management Services of the MILG as Chairperson, along with representatives from the following partner ministries, offices, agencies, and othcr organizations or institutions as members:

a)Technical representatives from the different ministries in the Bangsamoro Government with

a rank of at least Division Chief;

b MILG Focal Person for Search for Model Barangay;

c The Dean of the College of Public Affairs-Public Administration of Mindanao State

University-Main Campus;

d)Two (2) representatives from the Civil Society Organization or institutions (CSOs);

eTwo (2representatives from the Health Sector

fTwo (2representatives from the Women Sector

g) Two (2) representatives from the Youth Sector;

hTwo (2representatives from the Business Sector

iTwo 2representatives from the Religious Sector

jOne(1 representative from the Academe;

k)Two (2 representatives from the Indigenous Peoples Affairs; and

1Two (2 representatives from the Persons with Disability

SEC. 7. Duties and Functions of the Validation Team. -- The following duties and functions shall be executed by the Validation Team

a)Review the application documents

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b Conduct a Second Level Assessment to verify and validate the application documents. including the authenticity of candidates' accomplishments through onsite visits and interviews with stakeholders and the community:

c Convene to shortlist qualified candidates

d Deliberate on the findings and recommendations for the shortlisted candidates

e Prepare a presentation of reports that include the shortlist, factual observations, and

recommendations;

fHave the designated representative of the member Validation Team sign the minutes of the

meeting or terminal report drafted by the TWG, along with the assessment forms used during the shortlisting process; and

g) Present the reports to the Selection Committee.

SEC.8.The Selection Committee.-Candidates for SEAL will be elevated to the Selection Committee for further validation and assessment, which shall be composed of the following

a) Chairperson: Senior Minister of the Office of the Chief Minister

b) Co-Chairperson: Minister of the MILG

c)Vice-Chairperson: Bangsamoro Director General of the MILG

d) Members:

i.Chairperson of the Committee on Local Governance of the Bangsamoro Parliament

ii.The Grand Mufti of Regional Darul-Ifta

I The Dean of the College of Public Affairs-Public Administration of Mindanao State University-Main Campus;

iv. One (1 representative from a Non-governmental Organization or institution focusing

on leadership and governance;

v.One (1) representative from the Chamber of Commerce;

vi. Three 3 representatives from CSO or institution focusing on leadership and

governance;and

vii.Director II of the Operations Management Services of the MILG

SEC. 9. Duties and Functions of the Selection Committee. - The following duties and functions shall be executed by the Selection Committee to select one(1 SEAL Awardee for the current year: Bangsamoro Autonomy Act No.81 Page 5 of 10

a)Review the validation results conducted by the Validation Team;

b Conduct final interviews with the shortlisted,eligible,and qualified candidates resulting from

the Second Level Assessment by the Validation Team.Interviews will focus on the SEAL Leadership Framework, assessingcandidates' abilities to effectively articulate their views on leadership and their accomplishments;

c Have a designated representative from the RSC actively participate in the Third Level Assessment to ensure the successful, comprehensive, and holistic implementation of the

SEAL Program;

d Sign the minutes of the meeting or terminal report drafted by the TWG and the assessment

forms used during the selection process; and

e) Convene, select, and deliberate on the findings and recommendations of the assessment to declare the awardees of the SEAL Program through secret voting.

SEC.10.Minimum Qualification for Nomination.-No leader shall be qualified for nomination unless the nominee meets the following eligibilities:

a) Must have exhibited good moral character

b) Must not have any pending civil, criminal, or administrative case

c Must not have been adjudged guilty or liable in any criminal,or administrative case;and

d) Must not have previously conferred with the SEAL.

ministry of this program, shall determine the documentary requirements for purposes of qualification to the SEAL. SEC. 11. Documentary Requirements for Nomination. - The MILG, as the implementing

undergone the three (3 levels of assessment,which are undertaken as follows: SEC.12.Selection Process.-No leader shall be conferred with the SEAL unless it has

aFirst Level Assessment - the TWG shall conduct the initial assessment and validation of the candidates. The MILG shall adopt a mechanism for the conduct of initial assessment and validation. The rating acquired by the candidate during the first level assessment shall form part of his/her overall rating,which is equivalent to ten percent (10% of his/her final score.

b Second Level Assessment -onsite validation shall be conducted by the Validation Team to validate the authenticity and truthfulncss of the submitted documents.Subscquently, the Validation Team will convene to deliberate the findings from the onsite validation,and each

member will rate the candidate using an Assessment Tool based on the three Leadership Domains of SEAL.

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To qualify for the shortlist and proceed to the next level of assessment, a candidate must

i. Pass all three (3 SEAL Leadership Domains with a minimum score of seventy-five percent (75%) of the total score in cach domain;

ii.Shall have an overall or total score of at least eighty percent (80%) on this level of assessment;and

ii. Have passed all the qualification requirements enumerated herein above. The rating

acquired by the candidate on the second level assessment shall form part of his/her overall rating, which is equivalent to sixty percent (60%) of his/her final score.

c Third Level Assessment - the Selection Committee shall conduct the Third Level

Assessment, which includes thc Final Intervi and Selection of candidates. During this assessment, the Selection Committee sha w each candidate and evaluate their performance based on the SEAL Three eaders Domains using the Final Assessment

percent (100%) for the assessment.The final rating for each candidate will be the average of Tool. Each of the three leadership domains shall carry equal weight, totaling one hundred

overall rating. the scores in each domain, and this will contribute forty percent (40%) to the candidate's

The overall rating is calculated using the following formula

Level Assessment Rating sixty percent (60%) + Third Level Assessment Rating thirty percent (30%). Overall Rating of the Candidate =First Level Assessment Rating ten percent (10%+ Second

awardee.In cases of a tie,the Selection Committee shall resolve it through a vote during its deliberation. The candidate or nominee who shall garner the highest rating shall be selected as the SEAl

Provided, That the award fund shall be retained in the Special SEAL Fund account reserved for the next cycle of assessment,or the BTO may opt to invest it in the manner provided under Section 17 of this Level Assessment, the Selection Committee shall declare no awardee for the given fiscal year. SEC. 13. No Awardee. - In the event that no qualified or eligible nominee passes the Third

Act.

worth Five Hundred Thousand Pesos (PHP500,000.00 and a grant of Twenty Million Pesos and ranks first among the shortlisted nominees, shall be conferred and awarded the SEAL medallion Committee, complies,qualifies, passes all assessment level as provided under Section 12 of this Act PHP20,000,000.00 to the local government unit (LGU or organization or institution of awardee's representation. SEC.14.SEAL Incentive.-A leader, which, according to the assessment of the Selection

SEC.15.SEAL Endowment Fund.-An endowment fund,hereinafter to be known as the SEAI Endowment Fund,is hereby exclusively established to bc managed by the Bangsamoro Treasury Office BTO), which shall be the trustee of the said Fund. An amount of Five Hundred Million Pesos (PHP 500,000,000.00) is hereby appropriated as the seed capital for the SEAL Endowment Fund

which shall serve as a depository account for the seed capital and realized profits of the SEAL For purposes of this Act,a special account called Special SEAL Fundis hereby established

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Endowment Fund. The Fund shall be exclusively utilized to pay out incentives granted to SEAI awardee and the latter's LGU or organization, or institution.

development projects, the Annual Investment Program and the Local Development Investment Program. Endowment Fund.- In case the awardee is a leader representing an LGU,the use of the incentives paid out of the SEAL Endowment Fund under Section 14 of this Act shall be governed by the policies governing the utilization of the twenty percent (20%) of the annual National Tax Allotment for local SEC. 16.Utilization and, Limitation on Expenditure of the Incentives Under the SEAL

incentives shall be used only for the furtherance of the primary purpose of such organization or institution. In case the awardee is a leader representing an organization or institution in the BARMM, the

The incentives paid out of the SEAL Endowment Fund shall not be used for any of the following

a)Financing micro credits and loans;

b)Travel expenses, whether domestic or foreign, except when the purpose is in advancement of the purposes of this Act;

c)Administrative expenses of the LGU, organization, or institution, including, but not limited to, cash gifts, bonuses, food allowances, staff uniforms, communication bills, utilities transportation costs, and the like;

d)Purchase, maintenance, or repair of any motor vehicles or motorcycles not directly used for the SEAL undertaking;

e)Salaries, wages, emoluments,per diems, or overtime pay of employees;

f)Constructionrepairor refurnishing of administrative offices;and

g) Loan guarantee.

endowment fund in Shari'ah-compliant, and/or pursuant to Islamic financing principles, investment investment strategy of the fund. Provided, That,as far as practicable, the BTO shall invest the products, whether foreign or local. SEC.17.Investment Strategy for the SEAL Endowment Fund.-The BTO shall determine the

the BTO from the fund unless a certification is issued by the Selection Committee indicating the authority to withdraw,the name of the awardee and his/her LGU or organization or institution, and the date of issuance of such authorization. corresponding only to the amount needed to pay the incentives of the SEAL awardee and the grant to the LGU,organization, or institution of the awardee.Provided, That no withdrawal shall be made by SEC. 18. Schedule of Withdrawal. - The BTO shall withdraw from the fund its profits

the MILG shall engage accredited academic institutions within the BARMM to participate in the documentation, assessment, and validation of the leadership exemplars of SEAL Awardees. The SEC.19.Role of the Academe in Assessment.- To ensure the integrity of the SEAL Program

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academe shall collaborate with the SEAL TWG for the following advancement and integrity-building of the Program:

a Develop evidence-based methodologies for evaluating the Awardee's performance in the three (3leadership domains under Section 3 of this Act;

b Conduct independent reviews of documented achievements, community impact, and governance innovations; and

c Submit an annual analytical report to the MILG,Validation Team,and Selection Committee highlighting best practices and lessons learned.

higher education institutions (HEIs in BARMM, subject to the Commission on Higher Education guidelines.The SEAL TWG shall work with HEIs to: models derived from SEAL Awardees shall be institutionalized in the Public Administration courses of SEC. 20. Curriculum Integration. - Documented information, case studies, and leadership

a Adapt the Awardee's documented leadership practices into modules, syllabi, or training materials;

b Design capstone projects or research initiatives centered on the Awardee's contributions to the leadership domains; and

c Promote the SEAL legacy through lectures,workshops, or policy dialogues featuring the Awardee's exemplars.

implementation of this provision and review its impact on leadership education every three (3) years. Higher Education in the BARMM,Mindanao State University SystemsCotabato State Universityand other state universities and private universities within the BARMM, shall ensure the effective The MILG, Validation Team, and Selection Committee, in coordination with the Office of the

of academic partners, the SEAL Program shall provide reasonable honoraria to participating faculty researchers, or institutions, subject to the following guidelines: SEC.21.Honorarium for Academic Participants.-Recognizing the expertise and contribution

a Rates of Compensation - honoraria shall be determined by the MILG based on the complexity of tasks, duration of engagement, and prevailing BARMM government standards for technical services.

b) Funding Source - the honoraria and related expenses shall be charged against the annual appropriation allocated for the SEAL Program.

cDisbursement -- the SEAL TWG shall facilitate the processing and release of honoraria upon completion of deliverables, in accordance with auditing and accounting rules.

of the leader-nominee to show that it qualifies for the SEAL. the interpretation of the provisions of this Act, all definitions of the criteria and all rules and regulations issued pursuant to this Act shall be strictly construed against the leader-nominee. It shall be the burden SEC.22.Rules of Interpretation. -In order to ensure and preserve the prestige of the SEAL, in

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Budget and Management shall jointly formulate and promulgate the rules and regulations to implement SEC. 23. Implementing Rules and Regulations. -- The MILG and the Ministry of Finance, and

the provisions of this Act within forty-five (45 days from the effectivity thereof.

SEC.24.Transitory Provision.- Upon the effectivity of this Act, the existing SEAL Program of the MILG shall transition into SEAL Act of 2025.

SEC.25.Separability Clause.-Should any part or provision of this Act be held unconstitutional or invalid, all other provisions hereof which are not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.

thereof which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly SEC.26.Repealing Clause.-All regional laws,executive orders,rules,and regulations or parts

publication in the Bangsamoro Gazette, or in one (1) newspaper of regional circulation, whichever is earlier. SEC.27.Effectivity.- This Act shall take effect after fifteen 15 days following its complete

TTY.PAMGALIAN M.BALIDONG

Speaker

1447/August 20, 2025. This Act was passed by the Bangsamoro Transition Authority Parliament on Safar 26.

PROF ABY ANGKAL

Secretary-General

Approved:

ABDURAOFAMACACUA

Date:SEP(4 2025 Chief Minis

XXX

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