lU
NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
of tljr i?- -rprorp
*22 JUL25 A10 35
S.
SENATE
°05
O
RECEIVED BV:
Introduced by Senator Jfnggoy Ejercito Estrada
AN ACT
DECLARING THE FIRST DAY OF FEBRUARY OF EVERY YEAR AS NATIONAL 
HIJAB DAY AND PROMOTING AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE MUSLIM 
TRADITION OF WEARING A HUAB
EXPL/.NATORY NOTE
Hijab is a veil that covers the head and chest, which is particularly worn by a 
Muslim female beyond the age of puberty in the presence of adult males outside of 
their immediate family. It may also refer to any head, face, or body covering worn 
by Muslim women that conforms to a certain standard of modesty.
In the previous years, there had been positive developments affirming the 
Muslim women's right to wear hijab. In February, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) 
approved the inclusion of hijab in the uniform of female Muslim Coast Guard 
personnel. It was hoped that the policy will also encourage more Muslim women to 
join the Coast Guard workforce1.
In a 2013 advisory on the wearing of headscarves, the Commission on Human 
Rights (CHR) also upheld the right of Muslim women to wear hijab and that 
government agencies tasked to implement the provisions of Magna Carta of Women 
(particularly on Recognition and Preservation of Cultural Identity and Integrity) 
should ensure that their "exercise of religious belief is not breached by any state
1 "PCG approves inclusion of 'HIJAB' in the uniform of female Muslim personnel." February 2022. 
https://coastguarcl.gov.ph/index.php/downloads/ll-news/4469-pcg-approves-inclusion-of-hiiab-in-the-
uniform-of-female-muslim-personnel


actor or private individual2." Similarly, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) stated in a 
memorandum circular that the wearing of hijab (headscarves) among Muslim women 
shall be allowed In government offices.
Unfortunately, despite such encouraging progress promoting religious 
tolerance and normalizing the wearing of hijab, cases of discrimination, bullying and 
bigotry against hijabi (Muslim women wearing hijab) were still reported. Also, many 
wrongly and unjustly associate wearing of such with terrorism and criminality.
This measure seeks to join in the annual celebration of World Hijab Day every 
February 1. The occasion encourages women from all backgrounds to experience 
wearing the hijab to foster cultural understanding and international solidarity. This 
legislation also alms to protect and deepen the understanding amongst non-Muslims 
about the value of wearing a hijab as an act of modesty and dignity of Muslim 
women, to promote appreciation for diversity In expression of oneself and one's faith 
and religion, and to promote acceptance of other lifestyles amongst the citizenry.
This bill was already approved by the House of Representatives on Third and 
Final Reading In the Eighteenth Congress.
The passage of this bill is recommended.
JINGGOY EJERCrrO ESTRADA
Human Rights Advisory CHR-A2013-002 http://chr.ROV.ph/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/HRA-CHR-A2013- 
002-On-the-Wearing-of-Headscarves.pdf


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
)
SENATE 
S. No. 805
Ifc'l Senate
of til? ^r’ u-pfarp
*22 JUL25 A10 35
RECEIVED
Introduced by Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada
AN ACT
DECLARING THE FIRST DAY OF FEBRUARY OF EVERY YEAR AS NATIONAL 
HIJAB DAY AND PROMOTING AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE MUSLIM 
TRADITION OF WEARING A HIJAB
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Phiiippines in 
Congress assembled:
1 
Section 1. Short Tide. - This Act shail be known as theNational Hijab Da/.
2 
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - The State recognizes the role of women in
3 
nation-building, and shall ensure the fundamental equality of women and men
4 
before the law. The free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship,
5 
without discrimination and/or preference, shall always be respected.
6 
Sec. 3. Definition of Terms. - As used In this Act, the term sshijatJt shall refer
7 
to a veil that covers the head and chest, which Is particularly worn by a Muslim
8 
female beyond the age of puberty in the presence of adult males outside of their
9 
immediate family. It may further refer to any head, face, or body covering worn by
10 
Muslim women that conforms to a certain standard of modesty.
11 
The term xxhijabi"refers to a Muslim woman wearing the hijab.
12 
Sec. 4, Objectives. - It is the objective of this Act to:
13 
(a) encourage Muslim and non-Muslim women to wear the hijab and
14 
experience the virtue in wearing it;


1 
(b) remove the misconception of wearing the hijab that has been
2 
misunderstood as a symbol of oppression, terrorism, and lack of
3 
freedom;
4 
(c) stop discrimination against Muslim hijabi;
5 
(d) protect the freedom of religion and the right of Muslim women to
6 
practice their religion;
7 
(e) protect and deepen the understanding amongst non-Muslims about the
8 
value of wearing a hijab as an act of modesty and dignity of Muslim
9 
women;
10 
(f) promote appreciation for diversity In expression of oneself and one's
11 
faith and religion; and,
12 
(g) promote tolerance and acceptance of other lifestyles amongst the
13 
citizenry.
14 
Sec. 5. Awareness Program. - The National Hijab Day shall be observed every
15 
first day of February to showcase hijabi's rights and the Muslim tradition of wearing
16 
a hijab. Muslim and non-Muslim women shall be encouraged to don the hijab on
17 
this day.
18 
Government institutions, schools, and the private sector shall be encouraged
19 
to observe this event In a manner that promotes understanding and awareness
20 
among Its employees and students of the objective of the campaign.
21 
Sec. 6. Implementing Agency. ~ The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos
22 
(NCMF) is hereby mandated as the lead agency In promoting and raising
23 
consciousness about the practice of wearing a hijab. It shall conduct activities that
24 
shall aim to deepen understanding of the hijab as a lifestyle choice amongst Muslim
25 
women. Towards this end, it may conduct fora, information dissemination campaigns
26 
and other educational drive to effectively meet the objectives of this Act.
27 
Sec. 7. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part hereof Is held Invalid or
28 
unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision or part not otherwise
29 
affected shall remain valid and subsisting.
30 
Sec. 8. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance,
31 
executive order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule, or regulation


contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, 
modified, or amended accordingly.
Sec. 9. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after Its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,