Bangsamoro lawmakers proposed measures granting 30-day paid leave for Pilgrimage

COTABATO CITY — BARMM officials and employees will be granted a 30-day one-time paid leave, once Parliament Bill No. 282, or the Pilgrimage Leave Act of 2024, filed by Member of Parliament Abdullah Hashim, passes into law.

The bill defines pilgrimage as the act of visiting a religious or spiritual place to perform an act of worship or embark on a spiritual journey. To be eligible for this unique privilege, employees must have served the Bangsamoro government for a minimum of two years.

The pilgrimage leave can only be utilized once during an individual's entire service, regardless of their position or institution within the region. Approval for the pilgrimage leave will be subject to the favorable consideration of the respective office heads.

The BARMM Chief Minister will hold the authority to approve applications from officials and employees in the BARMM government, while the Bangsamoro Parliament Speaker will handle those within the Bangsamoro Parliament. 

Local government unit (LGU) officials and employees will have their applications considered by their respective local chief executives. All pilgrimage leave applications are required to be submitted to the Office of the Chief Minister through the Ministry of Interior and Local Government (MILG). 

However, the heads of respective offices or institutions retain the right to refuse any application that might hamper their operational efficiency. To ensure transparency and accountability, the Office of the Chief Minister, along with LGUs in the BARMM, will maintain a record of all officials and employees who avail themselves of pilgrimage leave. 

Any employee who exercises this privilege is required to submit a written report detailing the pilgrimage performed. The report must be submitted to the offices of the Chief Minister, Bangsamoro Parliament, or their respective offices within 30 days after returning to work.

The co-authors of PB No. 282 are MPs Susana Anayatin, Nabila Margarita Pangandaman, Mudjib Abu, Mosber Alauddin, Faizal Karon, Ali Salik, Abdullah Macapaar, Tawakal Midtimbang, Ali Solaiman, Abdulwahab Pak, Ibrahim Ali, Amroussi Macatanong, Lanang Ali Jr., Ramon Piang, Ali Montaha Babao, Denmartin Kahalan, Diamila Ramos, Mohammad Kelie Antao, Said Shiek, Tarhata Maglangit, Abdullah Gayak, Michael Midtimbang, Hussein Muñoz, Eddie Alih, Bai Maleiha Candao, Abdulaziz Amenoden, Suharto Esmael, Marjanie Macasalong, and Aida Silongan. (LTAIS-Public Information, Publication, and Media Relations Division)