Mark Villar pushes for mandatory Muslim prayer rooms in public offices
Sen. Mark A. Villar (Senate Public Relations and Information Bureau)
MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Mark Villar is pushing for mandatory inclusion of Muslim prayer rooms in public offices and establishments through Senate Bill No. 2288.
The bill is the proposed Act Mandating the Establishment of Muslim Prayer Rooms in all Public Offices and Establishments.
It would mandate all public offices and establishments nationwide to designate and set up at least one separate Muslim prayer room within their premises and take care of its maintenance.
The bill, with Villar as the principal author, has been heard publicly by the committee on cultural communities and Muslim affairs.
READ: PH again cited as ‘Muslim-friendly’ tourist destination
Article continues after this advertisementVillar expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to push for the bill before the committee and the invited resource persons from the Muslim community.
Article continues after this advertisement“It is my honor to be a catalyst of change for our Muslim brothers and sisters. The Islamic faith mandates our Muslim brothers and sisters to pray five times each day. As such, this representation filed Senate Bill No. 2288 or the Act Mandating the Establishment of Muslim Prayer Rooms in all Public Offices and Establishments to guarantee them prayer rooms where they can perform their prayers in a quiet, dry, and clean place,” Villar said in a statement.
He noted a lack of proper spaces for Filipino Muslims, saying: “Mr. Chair, as a largely Catholic country, I believe that while our Constitution guarantees the free exercise and enjoyment of religious professions, without discrimination or preference, there is still a gap that needs to be fulfilled in providing the proper avenue for other religions to exercise their faith in public spaces.”
“Besides giving prayer rooms to our Muslim brothers and sisters, this is a big step for our Muslim-friendly campaign to have adequate prayer rooms in public offices and establishments that can be used by tourists in our country — therefore, driving the tourism market,” he said in a mix of English and Filipino.
“Mr. Chair, I believe that our Muslim brothers and sisters deserve sufficient space to practice their faith and I am glad to provide that springboard for the Muslims to practice their religious rights,” he added.
