Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has officially enacted a law aimed at improving access to Shari'ah courts for Filipino Muslims through digitalization. The legislative measure, signed on September 18, is part of a broader initiative to modernize and streamline judicial processes in the country.

According to Philippines News Agency, Republic Act (RA) 12304 amends the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) Act of 2009, known as RA 9997. The new law mandates collaboration between the NCMF and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to develop a digital platform. This platform is intended to facilitate the paperless submission of pleadings and other legal documents to Shari'ah courts, in coordination with the Supreme Court.

Furthermore, RA 12304 requires the NCMF to work with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) to collect statistical data relevant to Muslim Filipinos at various administrative levels. This includes compiling annual reports that detail data on Muslim births, marriages, and deaths, gathered from local civil registry offices, Shari'ah Circuit Registrars, and Philippine Foreign Service Posts Abroad.

The NCMF's Bureau of Legal Affairs is also charged with providing legal education and assistance to Muslim Filipinos involved in litigation. The bureau will serve as the legal representative for the NCMF in cases involving its personnel and will handle valid complaints brought before the Commission.

In regions lacking Shari'ah Courts, the bureau is tasked with ensuring equitable access to legal services and facilitating document submissions to the appropriate courts. Additionally, the NCMF is required to report annually on the execution of RA 12304 to key legislative figures, including the Senate President and House Speaker.

The law will come into effect 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.