Code of Muslim Personal Laws

Article 164

(1) There shall be a Jurisconsult in Islamic law, who shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines and hold office for a term of seven years, without prejudice to re-appointment, unless sooner removed for cause or incapacitated to discharge the duties of his office. (2) The Office of the Jurisconsult shall be under the administrative supervision of the Supreme Court of the Philippines which shall also fix its permanent station, preferably in the City of Zamboanga.

Article 165

No person shall be appointed Jurisconsult in Islamic Law unless he is a citizen of the Philippines, at least forty years of age,of good moral character and proven integrity, and an eminent scholar in the Qur'an and Hadith and in Islamic jurisprudence as well as proficient in Arabic.

Article 166

(1) The Jurisconsult shall, on the written request of any interested party, have the authority to render legal opinions, based on recognized authorities, regarding any question relating to Muslim Law. For this purpose, he may, if he deems it necessary, consult or ask for a consensus of the 'ulama. (2) The Jurisconsult shall consider and act on every such request unless, in his opinion and for good reason, the question need not be answered. (3) The Office of the Jurisconsult shall keep a compilation and cause the publication of all his legal opinions.

Article 167

Until otherwise provided by law, the Jurisconsult shall receive an annual compensation of forty-eight thousand pesos which shall not be diminished during his term of office.

Article 168

The Jurisconsult may, in accordance with the Civil Service Law and subject to the approval of the Supreme Court, appoint and fix the compensation of such personnel as may be necessary for the performance of his functions.