A triumph for Muslims.
This was how Senator Robinhood Padilla welcomed the signing into law of a measure that will ensure the proper and timely burial of deceased Muslims in accordance with Islamic traditions.
Padilla welcomed the signing by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of Republic Act 12160, “An Act Requiring the Proper and Immediate Burial of Muslim Cadavers in Accordance with the Islamic Rites”.
“Napakalaking bagay ang bagong batas na ito para sa mga kapatid nating Muslim.”
“Napakalaking bagay ang bagong batas na ito para sa mga kapatid nating Muslim. Ang RA 12160 ay isang simple ngunit makabuluhang batas para sa kanila,” the legislator said.
Under the law, the State will ensure the proper and timely burial of deceased Muslims in accordance with Islam traditions, regardless of whether a death certificate has been issued for the deceased.
The hospital, clinic, funeral parlor, morgue, prison or other facility must release the remains of the deceased within 24 hours after death.
The hospital, clinic, funeral parlor, morgue, prison or other facility must release the remains of the deceased within 24 hours after death. The remains shall be wrapped in a white cloth and placed in an airtight and leak-proof cadaver bag or a wooden box.
Facilities cannot claim the failure to pay hospital bills or medical expenses as a reason to withhold the release of the remains. The deceased’s kin may sign a promissory note.
Withholding the release of the remains due to non-payment of such fees may result in a jail term of up to six months, or a fine between P50,000 and P100,000.
Padilla sponsored House Bill 8925 in the Senate. The House bill is a “sister bill” of his Senate Bill 1273.
Senate Bill 1273 ensures equitable access for Filipino Muslims and indigenous peoples (IPs) to public cemeteries.
