Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No.__7043

Introduced By: Representative Shernee A. Tan

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to require the allotment of at least two (2) places of worship or prayer rooms
in every government building, military camp, hospital, and privately-owned mall, factory, hospital,
and other big business establishment, where employees, visitors and customers can freely practice
their religious belief.

Although our Constitution explicitly mandates the inviolability of the separation of Church
and State, the same fundamental law of the land clearly guarantees the free exercise and enjoyment
of religious profession, without discrimination or preference.

It may be observed in our country that in practicelly all government buildings, military
‘camps, hospitals, and even in privately-owned malis, large factories, hospitals and other big
business establishments, there is a Roman Catholic Chapel. If this is a way of respecting the free
exercise of one’s religious belief then it is also fair to provide another prayer room where the
Muslims or other non-Catholic religious sectors may freely exercise their faith,

It is worthy to note that although the provision of Catholic Chapels in privately owned
business establishments is voluntary on their part, this clearly discriminates against their
employees and customers, who belong to other religious faith like the Islam and other non-
sectarian organizations as there is no place for them to practice their faith

In the United States, the 1964 Civil Rights Act provides that an employer may not
discriminate against a person because one adheres to a particular faith, and that employers must
accommodate an employee's religious practices unless doing so would cause undue hardship to
the employer. On the basis of this law, there have been growing number of corporations, which
are modifying their rules and procedure to show sensitivity to the increasing number of Muslim
employees and customers. For instance, Watermark Donut Co., a franchisee for Dunkin’ Donuts,
has provided religious accommodation for its Muslim employees the opportunity to perform the
five (5) daily prayers.

FERN

ECEWVED
_! LATE: QUN 8.0 20a
TIME: So,



Unlike other religions, Muslim religious practices regard them as compulsory religious
duties. Islam mandates that believers perform prayer five times each day. During act of worship,
Muslim stand, bow and touch the forehead to the ground. Since worship is to be performed in any
quiet, dry and clean place, a prayer room is necessary for some measure of privacy.

The foregoing reasons warrant the approval of this important piece of legislation is
earnestly sought.

Kusul) Tdusug Partylist


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No,_7043

Introduced By: Representative Shernee A. Tan

AN ACT
MANDATING THE ALLOTMENT OF AT LEAST TWO (2) PLACES OF WORSHIP OR
PRAYER ROOMS IN EVERY GOVERNMENT BUILDING, MILITARY CAMP, HOSPITAL,
AND PRIVATELY-OWNED MALL, FACTORY, HOSPITAL, AND OTHER BIG BUSINESS
ESTABLISHMENT AND PROVIDING PENALTIES THEREFOR

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives
of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. There shall be allotted at least two (2) places of worship or prayer rooms,
where employees, visitors and customers can freely practice their religious belief in every
government building, military camp, hospital, and privately-owned mall, factory, hospital, and
other big business establishment,

SEC. 2. Within sixty (60) days from its approval, the National Commission on Muslim
Filipinos (NCMF), in consultation with the Civil Service Commission, Department of Labor and
Employment (DOLE), Department of National Defense (DND), and a representative from the
business sector, shall formulate the necessary rules and regulations to implement this Act.

SEC. 3. Any person found guilty of violating this Act shall suffer the penalty of one (1)
year imprisonment or a fine equivalent to six (6) months salary or both at the discretion of the

court.
The penalty herein provided shall be imposed upon the highest official of the Department
or office concemed or, ifa juridical person, the Chairman or President of the corporation,

SEC. 4. All laws, rules and regulations inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed,
amended or modified accordingly.

SEC. 5. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official
Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,