Senator Robin Padilla pushed 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.
“Nakakaranas din po madalas ng diskriminasyon ang ating mga kapatid sa mga pampublikong mga sementeryo.”
“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,” the legislator said in his sponsorship speech for Committee Report 312, for Senate Bill No. 1273 that he filed in 2022.
The lawmaker 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.
The senator added that under Shari’a (Islamic Law), burial must be done soonest.
He 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.
“Many IPs face challenges in following their burial traditions especially in Metro Manila.”
Padilla 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.
He noted Senate Bill 1273 complies with Sec. 5 Art. 3 of the Constitution, which allows the free expression of religion and worship.
Padilla 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 tradisyon,” he explained.
If there is a lack of space in public cemeteries, the proposed measure allows the partnering of local governments of adjacent towns or cities.
The bill likewise proposes a Public Cemetery Board in highly urbanized cities, independent component cities, and provinces.
Management of public cemeteries, including permits for burial, will be up to the LGUs where the public cemeteries are located.
The bill likewise provides for funding from LGUs’ portions of national taxes and other local revenues; and funding support from the national government, as well as Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations.
“Sa huli’t huli: ang amin pong salmo, nawa ay mabigyan ng pagkakataon ng mga miyembro ng lupon na ito upang maging ganap na batas ang panukala ng pantay pantay na access sa ating mga pampublikong sementeryo,” Padilla stressed.
