FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
Second Regular Session' 
introduced by Senator Manny Villar 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Some members of the print and broadcast media have often used the 
words "Muslim" and "Christian" in describing any person suspected of or 
convicted of unlawful or criminal acts. Apparently, the association of these words 
to Muslims and Christians alike are offensively biased, prejudicial and injurious to 
both their religious cultures, individual and collective image and social well being. 
Although the Philippines is predominantly a Christian state, such bias 
could put more injury to the already marred relationship between the Muslim and 
Christian communities. However, nothwithstanding all these aversions, there is 
still a common territory that can shape new and better relationship. 
Thus, condemning these cultural and religious biases would contribute 
and result in increased understanding between Muslims and Christians and build 
a path towards a just, culturally-sensitive, fair and lasting peace and development 
in our country. 
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this Bill is earnestly 
sought. 
MA"Y "'Y 


FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
Second Regular Session 
SENATE 
S. No. z o 7  
lntrodu,ced by Senator Manny Villar 
AN ACT PROHIBITING THE USE OF THE WORDS “MUSLIM” AND 
“CHRISTIAN” IN MASS MEDIA TO DESCRIBE ANY PERSON 
SUSPECTED OF OR CONVICTED FOR HAVING COMMITTED 
CRIMINAL OR UNLAWFUL ACTS, AND PROVIDING 
PENALTIES FOR VIOLATJON THEREOF 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
SECTION 1. Prohibited Act. - It is hereby declared unlawful for any 
person to use in mass media, the words “Muslim” andlor “Christian” or any other 
word that would denote religious, regional or ethnic affiliation to describe any 
person suspected of or convicted for having committed criminal or unlawful acts, 
SEC. 2. Penalties. - The penalty of arrest0 mayor or a fine ranging from 
One thousand pesos (P1,OOO.OO) to Ten thousand pesos (PlO,OOO.OO), or both, 
at the discretion of the court, shall be imposed upon any person found guilty of 
violating Section 1 hereof. 
The editor-in-chief; in the case of print media, and the news editor, in the 
case of broadcast media and other forms of mass media, shall be imposed a 
fine not lower than Fifty thousand pesos (P50,OOO.OO). 
Philippines in Congress assembled: 
The juridical entity violating this Act shall be imposed a fine not lower than 
Fifty thousand pesos (P50,OOO.OO) for every violation. 
For the second and succeeding offenses, the penalties shall be doubled. 
SEC. 3. lmplernenting Rules. - The Philippine Information Agency, in 
coordination with the concerned sectors and entities, shall promulgate the rules 
and regulations to implement this Act within three (3) months after its effectivity. 
SEC. 4. Repealing Clause. - All laws, .orders, issuances, rules and 
regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are 
hereby repealed, modified or amended accordingly. 
SEC. 5. Separability Clause. - If any part of this Act is held invalid or 
unconstitutional, the other parts or provisions thereof not affected thereby shall 
remain valid and effective. 
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SEC. 6. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days 
Approved, 
from its publication in at least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation. 
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