TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
25 JUL-2 P4:29
S. No.
SENATE
17
Introduced by Senator Robinhood Padilla
AN ACT
MANDATING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF MUSLIM PRAYER ROOMS IN ALL 
PUBLIC OFFICES AND ESTABLISHMENTS
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The Philippines is a democratic and pluralistic society that takes pride in 
ensuring that every Filipino - regardless of faith - is given the dignity, respect, and 
space to practice their beliefs in peace and free from discrimination.
As a country that is home to millions of Muslim Filipinos, the Philippines must 
strive to embody inclusivity not only in lip service but in concrete and tangible actions. 
It is always observed that the lack of designated and dignified spaces in government 
buildings and institutions often forces our Muslim brothers and sisters to pray in 
stairwells, hallways, or other inappropriate and uncomfortable places. This is 
inhumane, unjust and not in accordance with the principles of inclusivity.
This proposed measure, originally filed by Senator Mark Villar last Congress, 
seeks to provide remedy to this sad reality by mandating the establishment of Muslim 
Prayer Rooms in all public offices and establishments nationwide to provide a safe and 
appropriate space for our Muslim brothers and sisters bound by faith to perform their 
daily prayers (Salah) five times a day.
Under this measure, all public offices and establishments shall be required to 
designate a Muslim Prayer Room within their premises. These prayer rooms are to be


maintained respectfully and regularly, in coordination with the National Commission 
on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF).
This bill is not asking for a special treatment. It is asking for fair 
accommodation—a simple room, a quiet space, a clean area where one can kneel in 
prayer and fulfill a spiritual obligation.
This measure, albeit its simplicity, is a reflection of a government that respects 
all cultures, embraces religious sensitivities, and stands firm in its commitment to 
human dignity.
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this measure is earnestly
sought.
D PADILLA
ienator


TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
25 JUL-2 P4 '29
SENATE 
S. No. 17
Introduced by Senator Robinhood Padilla
AN ACT
MANDATING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF MUSLIM PRAYER ROOMS IN ALL 
PUBLIC OFFICES AND ESTABLISHMENTS
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines 
in Congress assembled:
1 
Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Muslim Prayer Room
2 
Act of the Philippines."
3 
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is declared a policy of the State to promote
4 
and uphold the religious rights of its citizenry. The State recognizes the importance of
5 
providing adequate spaces for Muslim employees and visitors to fulfill their religious
6 
duties in all public offices and establishments nationwide.
7 
Sec. 3. Establishment of Muslim Prayer Rooms. - All public offices and
8 
establishments nationwide shall designate and set up at least one (1) separate Muslim
9 
prayer room within their respective premises. The provision and maintenance of
10 
Muslim prayer rooms are the responsibility of the public offices and establishments.
11 
Sec. 4. Appropriations. - The amount needed for the initial implementation of
12 
this Act shall be taken from the current year's appropriations of the agencies
13 
concerned. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for its continued
14 
implementation shall be included in the General Appropriations Act.


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
Sec. 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The National Commission on 
Muslim Filipinos (NCMF), in coordination with the other pertinent government 
agencies, shall promulgate rules and regulations necessary for the implementation of 
this Act within ninety (90) days from its effectivity.
Sec. 6. Separability Clause. — If any provision of this Act shall be held 
unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions not otherwise affected shall remain in 
full force and effect.
Sec. 7. Repealing Clause. — Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive 
order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation contrary to or 
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed, modified or amended 
accordingly.
Sec. 8. Effectivity Clause. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general 
circulation.
Approved,