ARTICLE IV

GENERAL PRINCIPLE AND POLICIES

Section 1. Territorial Integrity and Allegiance. – The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region is an integral, indivisible, and inseparable part of the territory of the Republic of the Philippines. The Bangsamoro people shall uphold the Constitution as the fundamental law of the land and unequivocally owe allegiance and fidelity to the Republic of the Philippines.

Section 2. Self-Governance. In the exercise of its right to self-governance, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region is free to pursue its political, economic, social, and cultural development as provided for in this Organic Law.

Section 3. Democratic Political System. – The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region shall have a democratic political system that allows its people to freely participate in the political processes within its territorial jurisdiction. The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region shall have a parliamentary form of government.

Section 4. Electoral System. – The Bangsamoro Government shall adopt an electoral system which shall be consistent with national election laws, allow democratic participation, encourage the formation of genuinely principle political parties, and ensure accountability.

Section 5. Civilian Government. – Governance in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region shall be the responsibility of the duly elected civilian government. Civilian authority is, at all times, supreme over the military.

Section 6. Promotion of Unity. – The Bangsamoro Government shall promote unity, peace, justice, and goodwill among all peoples, as well as encourage a just and peaceful settlement of disputes.

Section 7. Social Justice. – The Bangsamoro Government shall ensure every Filipino citizen in its territorial jurisdiction the provision of the basic necessities and equal opportunities in life. Social justice shall be promoted in all aspects of life and phases of development in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.

Section 8. International Treaties and Agreements. The Bangsamoro Government shall respect and adhere to all international treaties and agreements binding upon the National Government.

Section 9. Rights of Non-Moro Indigenous Peoples. – The Bangsamoro Government shall recognize and promote the rights of non-Moro indigenous peoples within the framework of the Consitution and national laws.

Section 10. Freedom of Choice. The freedom of choice of all people within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region shall be respected. Indigenous peoples shall have the freedom to retain their distinct indigenous and ethnic identity in addition to their Bangsamoro political identity. There shall be no discrimination on the basis of identity, religion, and ethnicity.