Republic of the Philippines
HOUSEOF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILLNO. 7184

INTRODUCED BY:
HONORABLE CHERYL P. DELOSO-MONTALLA
Representative, 2"! District, Zambales

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A MUSLIM FILIPINO CEMETERY IN THE PROVINCE OF
ZAMBALES AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Section 5 of the Bill of Rights of the 1987 Philippine Constitution provides that “the free
exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship, without discrimination or preference,
shall forever be allowed.” In pursuance of this constitutional mandate, the state shall guarantee the
rights and well-being of Muslim Filipinos with due regard to their beliefs, customs, traditions and
institutions thereby giving them the opportunity to contribute to nation-building.

Muslim Filipinos observe traditional rites to honor and bury their dead, including funeral
procession and mourning practices. They observe the Sunna which is the rigid conduct of Islam of
their traditional festival and ceremony for the dead.

In Mindanao, the kubul (grave) is found in lots allotted by the Muslim Filipino family as
burial site for their demised family member. At times, this may be found in the garden of their
family home. At present, Muslim Filipinos in the Province of Zambales still have difficulty in
burying their dead. They often have to transport their dead to their native place in Mindanao for
their repose.

This proposed measure seeks to provide a common cemetery for Muslim Filipinos in
Zambales by establishing a Muslim Filipino Cemetery in the province to preserve the sanctity of
Islam belief and culture of honoring their dead.

Having filed during the 16" and 17" Congresses, this bill is being re-filed and immediate
passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

CHERYL £ DELOSO MONTALLA
Rofresentative
2™ District, Zambales


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSEOF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. OT

INTRODUCED BY:
HONORABLE CHERYL P. DELOSO-MONTALLA
Representative, 2’ District, Zambales

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A MUSLIM FILIPINO CEMETERY IN THE PROVINCE OF
ZAMBALES AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy. It is hereby declared as the policy of the State to
ensure the rights and well-being of Muslim Filipinos with due regard to their beliefs, customs,
traditions and institutions, as well as to further ensure their contribution to national goals and
aspirations and to make them active participants in nation-building.

SECTION 2. Establishment of a Muslim Filipino Cemetery in the Province of Zambales.
A Muslim Filipino Cemetery is hereby established in the Province of Zambales which shall be
identified by the National Commission on Muslim Affairs (NCMA).

SECTION 3. Location of the Muslim Filipino Cemetery. The NCMA shall coordinate with
the concerned local government unit in the identification of the appropriate location for the said
Muslim Filipino Cemetery. The NCMA shall within ninety (90) days from the approval of this Act
form a technical working group to formulate an implementation plan for the said cemetery.

SECTION 4. Maintenance and Operation of the Cemetery. The maintenance and
operation of the said cemetery shall be under the direct supervision and control of the NCMA or
its future derivative.

SECTION S. Appropriation. The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act
shall be appropriated from the General Appropriations Act of the year following its enactment into
law and thereafter.

SECTION 6. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in
the Official Gazette.

Approved,