Republic Act No. 8753

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

Section 1

The regular elections for the regional governor, regional vice governor and members of the regional legislative assembly of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao set for September 13, 1999 is hereby reset to the second Monday of September 2000. Elections shall be held every three (3) years thereafter pursuant to Republic Act No. 6734, otherwise known as the Organic Act for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Section 2

The term of office of the regional governor, regional vice governor and members of the regional legislative assembly shall begin at noon of the Thirtieth of September next following their election and shall end at noon of the Thirtieth of September three (3) years thereafter.

Section 3

All incumbent elected officials of the autonomous region shall hold office until September 30, 1999 pursuant to Republic Act No. 8746 Provided, That the incumbent regional governor, vice governor and members of the regional legislative assembly shall continue in office in a holdover capacity until their successor shall have been duly elected and qualified: Provided, further, That while acting in a holdover capacity, the regional governor and vice governor shall not make appointments, including promotions, transfers and/or assignments of personnel and shall be subject to all the restrictions and/or prohibitions mandated by Section 261 of the Omnibus Election Code more particularly, but not limited to, paragraphs (k), (m), (o), (r), (u) (v) and (x) paragraph (g) which shall apply as to period but shall not otherwise apply to the appointments of teachers and health workers; and paragraphs (h) and (w) which shall apply during the election periods of the plebiscite and the election.

Section 4

Certificates of candidacy filed with the Commission on Elections in accordance with Republic Act No. 8746 shall cease to be valid and effective. Candidates who were considered ipso facto resigned from their public office by virtue of the filing of their certificates of candidacy are hereby reinstated

Section 5

If any provision of this Act is held unconstitutional, other provisions not affected thereby shall remain valid and binding.

Section 6

All laws, decrees, rules and regulations, and all other issuances or parts thereof, which are inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

Section 7

This Act shall take effect upon approval by the President.

Approved, September 8, 1999.