Republic Act No. 8953

Section 1

The State asserts that peace is essential to elections and mandates the government to actively pursue the peace process in Mindanao.

Section 2

The regular elections for the regional governor, vice governor and members of the regional legislative assembly of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) set forth under Republic Act No. 8753 on the second Monday of September 2000 is hereby reset to coincide with the general elections to be held on the second Monday of May 2001. Elections shall be held three (3) years after thereafter pursuant to Republic Act No. 6734 otherwise known as the Organic Act for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Section 3

The term of office of the regional governor, regional vice governor and members of the regional legislative assembly shall commence at noon of the 30th day of June 2001 next following their election and shall expire at noon of the 30th day June three (3) years thereafter.

Section 4

All incumbent officials of the Autonomous Region shall hold office pursuant to existing laws.

Section 5

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

Section 6

All laws, decrees and all other issuances or parts thereof, which are inconsistent with this Act, are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.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 its approval by the President.

Approved, September 1, 2000.