Press Release - Sen. Robin Pushes Equal Access for Muslims, IPs in Public Cemeteries

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PT2J3GhpN-Y

Sen. Robinhood "Robin" C. Padilla on Tuesday pushed anew for equal access of Filipino Muslims and Indigenous Peoples (IPs) for burial in public cemeteries.

Padilla, who chairs the Senate Committee on Cultural Communities and Muslim Affairs, lamented that Muslims and IPs still encounter problems in looking for burial grounds for their departed loved ones.

"Subalit, isa sa malungkot pong katotohanan, ay ang dinaranas ng mga Muslim medyo hirap talaga sa paghahanap ng espasyo upang agarang mailibing ang namayapa nilang mahal sa buhay. Nakakaranas din po madalas ng diskriminasyon ang ating mga kapatid sa mga pampublikong mga sementeryo (One sad truth is that our Muslims have difficulties looking for grounds where they can bury their loved ones in accordance with their customs. Also, in many cases, our brethren experience discrimination in public cemeteries)," he said in his sponsorship speech for Committee Report 312, for Senate Bill No. 1273 that he filed in 2022.

Padilla noted many burial customs in the Philippines, such as those of Muslims, follow the Sunna - where the deceased's remains are to be buried facing Qibla or the direction Muslims face when praying.

He added that under Shari'a (Islamic Law), burial must be done soonest.

Padilla said it is infuriating to learn of recent incidents such as the displacement of 100 remains in a Muslim cemetery in Quezon City and Montalban due to the activities of a nearby quarrying company.

He added many IPs face challenges in following their burial traditions especially in Metro Manila and other parts of the country, since the remains must be transported to their home provinces.

Padilla noted Senate Bill 1273 complies with Sec. 5 Art. 3 of the Constitution, which allows the free expression of religion and worship. He added Sec. 22, Art. 2 of the Charter recognizes the right of cultural communities for national unity and progress.

"Ayon po sa nilalaman ng ating panukala, ang mga pampublikong sementeryo ay dapat maglaan ng bahagi ng mga libingan para sa mga Muslim na Pilipino, Katutubo, at iba pang mga denominasyon batay sa kani-kanilang mga kaugalian, paniniwala, at