BTA Committee to file Code of Ethics for Parliament

QUEZON CITY — The Committee on Ethics and Privileges has announced that it will be filing a measure to establish a code of ethics for Members of Parliament, saying it would be essential for lawmakers in the upcoming 2025 first regular parliament.

Deputy Speaker and Committee Chair Atty. Omar Yasser Sema said that the committee will be submitting the code to Parliament in May or June.

Atty. Sema highlighted the significance of the proposed code which includes general provisions; rights, duties, and responsibilities of MPs; proper exercise of power; transparency and accountability; upholding the code; breaches of the code and investigation procedures; procedures for the protection of witnesses; and the application of the BTA (Bangsamoro Transition Authority) rules and the rules of court.

House of Representatives Committee on Ethics Vice-Chair Raul Angelo Bongalon provided insights on ethical proceedings within the Parliament and the lower house of Congress.

During discussions, both the Parliament and the House of Representatives exchanged views on the ethical proceedings, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a high standard of conduct within the parliamentary framework.

“One of the works of the MP is not only to legislate, but we also have to safeguard the integrity of the institution and the dignity of the Parliament. In doing this work, we have to make a comparison and study the best practices of other institutions,” Atty. Sema explained.

He said that the code of ethics would serve as the foundation upon which the Parliament would build, ensuring the protection of both the institution and its members.

The proposed code aims to provide MPs with guidance in fulfilling their parliamentary duties and obligations to the Bangsamoro Parliament, their colleagues, and the Bangsamoro people.

The code is designed to define the minimal ethical standards of conduct and behavior expected from MPs, incorporating principles such as propriety, integrity, and ethical values in their professional conduct. It will establish a set of rules for MPs in the exercise of their rights and discharge of their duties and responsibilities.

Committee Vice-Chair Hamid Malik said that “the creation of this Code will ideally maintain the highest ethical standards, ensuring that our legislators operate as exemplary representatives of the people they serve.”

The committee exercises jurisdiction over all matters relating to the duties, conduct, rights, privileges, immunities, integrity, and reputation of the BTA and its members. It carries out independent, objective, and impartial investigations into complaints against BTA members.

The committee also finalized a resolution outlining appropriate dress code guidelines for MPs, staff, resource persons, and visitors during sessions, public consultations, committee meetings, and hearings.

The activity was conducted in collaboration with the Suporta sa Bangsamoro Transition. (LTAIS-Public Information, Publication, and Media Relations Division)