TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
Senate
of tl)r
25 AUG 19 A9:40
SENATE 
S. No. 1^08
RECEIVED B\'.
Introduced by Senator MARK A. VILLAR
AN ACT
MANDATING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF MUSLIM PRAYER ROOMS IN ALL 
PUBLIC OFFICES AND ESTABLISHMENTS
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Article III, Section 5 of the 1987 Constitution guarantees the free exercise and 
enjoyment of religious profession and worship, without discrimination or preference. 
In the Philippines, where religious devotion is deeply ingrained, approximately 6.4% 
of the population identifies as Muslim, according to the latest available data from the 
2020 census.
The Islamic faith mandates our Muslim brothers and sisters to pray five times 
daily. As such, it is imperative for the free exercise of their Islamic faith that prayer 
rooms be made available where they can perform their prayer in a quiet, dry, and 
clean place. Such spaces not only respect the religious practices of Muslim individuals 
but also foster an inclusive environment that acknowledges and embraces diversity.
In line with the policy of the State to promote and uphold religious freedom, 
this bill aims to establish adequate spaces within ali public offices and establishments 
across the nation, enabling Musiim employees and visitors to fulfill their religious 
obligations.
In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
MARK A. VILLAR


TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S. No. 1208
(Sh. Senate
of tljf ^ocrflarjJ
25 AUG 19 A 9 '40
RECEIVED BY;
Introduced by Senator MARK A. VILLAR
AN ACT
MANDATING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF MUSLIM PRAYER ROOMS IN ALL 
PUBLIC OFFICES AND ESTABLISHMENTS
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
1 
Section 1. Declaration of Policy. - It is declared a policy of the State to promote
2 
and uphold the religious rights of its citizenry. The State recognizes the importance of
3 
providing adequate spaces for Muslim employees and visitors to fulfill their religious
4 
duties in all public offices and establishments nationwide.
5 
Sec. 2. Muslim Prayer Rooms. - All public offices and establishments nationwide
6 
shall designate and set up at least one (1) separate Muslim prayer room within their
7 
respective premises. The provision and maintenance of Muslim prayer rooms are the
8 
responsibility of the public offices and establishments.
9 
Sec. 3. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The National Commission on
10 
Muslim Filipinos, in coordination with the other pertinent government agencies, shall
11 
promulgate rules and regulations necessary for the implementation of this Act within
12 
ninety (90) days from its effectivity.
13 
Sec. 4. Separability Clause. - Any portion or provisions of this Act that may be
14 
declared unconstitutional or invalid and shall not have the effect of nullifying other
15 
portions or provisions hereof as long as such remaining portions or provisions can still
16 
subsist and be given effect in their entirety.
17 
Sec. 5. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders,
18 
memoranda, circulars, and other issuances, or parts thereof, which are inconsistent
19 
with the Act, are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.


1 
Sec. 6. Effectivity Clause. -This Act shall be take effect fifteen (15) days after
2 
its publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
Approved,