Section 1. The Regional Assembly is hereby empowered to pass a law adopting an official regional emblem, seal and hymn. The regional emblem and seal shall be displayed along with the national emblem and seal. The regional hymn shall be sung in after the national anthem in official proceedings at the discretion of the government officials in the autonomous region.

Section 2. Disciplinary Authority Over Officials and Employees The Regional Government shall have primary disciplinary authority over officials and employees of the Regional Government. In the exercise of that authority, the Regional Government shall apply the Civil Service Law, rules and regulations of the central government or national government until the Regional Assembly shall have enacted a Regional Civil Service Law. The Regional Civil Service Law shall govern the conduct of the civil servants, the qualifications for non-elective positions, and the protection of civil service eligibles in various government positions in the autonomous region. The Regional Civil Service Law shall be consistent with the provisions of Article IX (B) of the Constitution.

Section 3. Oath of Office All public officers and employees, as well as members of the Regional Police Force and the military establishment, shall be required to take an oath of allegiance to the republic of the Philippines to support and defend the Constitution and this Organic Act, renounce the use of violence, and commit themselves to democratic means in the pursuit of their ideals and aspirations.

Section 4. Civil Service Eligibility Until the Regional Assembly shall have enacted a civil service law, the civil service eligibilities required by the central government or national government for appointments to public positions shall likewise be required for appointments to government positions in the Regional Government. As may be necessary, the Civil Service Commission shall hold special civil service examinations in the autonomous region. For a period not longer than six (6) years from the approval of this organic Act, the central government or national government shall endeavor to provide appropriate civil service eligibility to applicants coming from the autonomous region for government positions therein. The minimum qualifications prescribed by law shall, however, be met.

Section 5. Prohibition Against Employment of Military Personnel in Civil Service No members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in the active service shall, at any time, be appointed or designated in any capacity to a civilian position in the Regional Government, including government owned or-controlled corporations, or in any of their subsidiaries or instrumentalities within the autonomous region.

Section 6. Promulgation and Translation of this Organic Act This Organic Act shall be officially promulgated in Filipino, English and Arabic and translated into the dialects widely spoken in the autonomous region. In case of conflict, the English text shall prevail.

Article XV

Republic Acts Table of Contents

Article XVII