The Ministry of Labor and Employment (MOLE) has initiated the drafting of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for the Bangsamoro Bereavement Leave Act of 2025, officially known as Bangsamoro Autonomy Act No. 72.

This update was posted on June 4 through MOLE’s official Facebook page, following a roundtable discussion held on June 3 at Haraya Hall, Alnor Hotel and Convention Center in Cotabato City. The meeting brought together members of MOLE’s Technical Working Group and key stakeholders to lay down the groundwork for the IRR, which will operationalize the new law.

The drafting process is being led by Atty. Datu Haris M. Pinguiaman, head of MOLE’s Legal and Legislative Liaison Division. According to Atty. Pinguiaman, the IRR aims to clarify the scope of the law, standardize procedures for applying for bereavement leave, and ensure that documentation requirements are fair and accessible.

Once finalized, the guidelines will enable effective implementation of the law across both public and private sectors in the Bangsamoro region.

The session also gathered key officials and legal experts who served as resource persons, including MOLE Director General Surab A. Abutazil Jr., directors Annuarudin U. Tayuan, Abdulrakman S. Nor, and Bailyn E. Nanding, along with division chiefs Noraidah M. Tamano and Yahiya B. Sabal.

Deputy Minister Tommy J. Nawa, speaking on behalf of Minister Muslimin G. Sema, emphasized the importance of implementing the law in a way that upholds the dignity of workers during times of loss. “The IRR must reflect the spirit of compassion and respect for the grieving process,” he said.

Representatives from the Bangsamoro Transition Authority, including Jaime M. Ayub and OIC Secretary of the Committee on Rules Gerardo T. Concepcion III, also took part in the discussion to provide background on the legislative intent behind the measure.

The Bangsamoro Bereavement Leave Act was enacted on February 20, 2025. It  entitles workers to a seven-day paid bereavement leave once per year.