To ensure an efficient, organized and safe Hajj pilgrimage for Muslim Filipinos, Senator Robin Padilla has filed a bill letting travel operators take up some of the tasks currently delegated to the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF).
In Senate Bill 2452, Padilla sought to amend parts of Republic Act 9997, mandating the NCMF to administer programs, formulate rules, and coordinate with pertinent offices to ensure the success of the annual Hajj.
“The necessity to ensure an efficient, organized and safe Hajj journey for Muslim Filipinos is urgently called for.”
“The necessity to ensure an efficient, organized and safe Hajj journey for Muslim Filipinos is urgently called for. This bill proposes opening Hajj travel arrangements to private entities, thereby fostering a competitive market to the advantage of our traveler pilgrims,” the legislator said.
“As a result, travel service providers will continuously endeavor to improve the quality of Hajj services, offer a wide range of flexible travel packages within the average market price range, and reinforce innovative and enhanced strategies in Hajj operations,” the lawmaker added.
With this, the senator said the NCMF is relieved of the “intricate operations” associated with the Hajj as travel service providers are better equipped with comprehensive expertise and trained travel professionals.
Under the bill, the NCMF need not promote the development of a Hajj Assistance Fund created from the contributions of Muslim Filipinos for the financial needs of Muslim Filipinos joining the Hajj.
The bill also removes the Bureau of Pilgrimage and Endowment from the NCMF.
“NCMF shall no longer perform any powers and functions relative to the administration of Hajj.”
It adds the NCMF shall “no longer perform any powers and functions relative to the administration of Hajj” except to register and accredit sheikhs or private individuals engaged in facilitating, processing and providing guidance for the annual Hajj.
It amends the provision of RA 9997 on the Hajj Attache, whose function is limited to coordinating with the Ministry of Hajj of Saudi Arabia where government-to-government action is needed, including certification as to change of pilgrim’s name.
The Hajj Attache cannot intervene in the administration, conduct, facilitation or processing of Hajj for Muslim Filipinos.
