Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

19T™! CONGRESS
First Regular Session

2587

HOUSE BILL NO.

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE ZIAUR-RAHMAN “ZIA” ALONTO ADIONG and
REPRESENTATIVE YASSER ALONTO BALINDONG

AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF MUSLIM CEMETERIES
IN CITIES AND MUNICIPALITIES WITH SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF MUSLIM
POPULATION AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Section 11, Article II of the 1987 Constitution provides that the “State values the dignity of
every human person and guarantees full respect for human rights.” Furthermore, Section 5 of the Bill
of Rights guarantees “the free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship, without,
discrimination or preference.”

Accordingly, Republic Act No. 9997 entitled, “AN ACT CREATING THE NATIONAL
COMMISSION ON MUSLIM FILIPINOS DEFINING ITS POWERS, FUNCTIONS AND
RESPONSIBILITIES AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES”,
was enacted “to ensure the rights and well-being of Muslim Filipinos, with due regard to their beliefs,
customs, traditions and institutions.” For this purpose, the same law also provides for the
establishment of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) which, among its list of
powers, has the jurisdiction to undertake and coordinate development programs and projects for the
advancement of Muslim Filipino communities, including designing, implementing and maintaining
settlements for Muslim Filipino communities.

In Islamic traditions, the burial of a deceased person is a collective obligation of the Muslim
community. This obligation involves the ritual washing of dead bodies, shrouding the body with
cloth, and the salat al-janazah or the funeral prayer. In Islam, it is important that burial takes place as
quickly as possible after death. It is also forbidden for the body to be desecrated, and as such,
cremation, autopsies, and delay of burial are not allowed.

At present, it is difficult for Muslim Filipinos to bury their dead, due to the lack of public
cemeteries that caters to their needs, in accordance with their belief and traditions. Most of the time,
they are forced to transport their dead to their hometowns in Mindanao, which is quite costly and
difficult for the bereaved family members.

Recognizing the diverse cultures and traditions of our nation, and fostering the ideals of
inclusivity and harmony, this bill seeks to resolve the afore-mentioned challenge encountered by
Muslim Filipinos and provide for the establishment of Muslim cemeteries in cities and municipalities
with a significant number of Muslim population.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill into law is earnestly sought.
going, the inj

HON. ZIAWR RAHMAN “ZIA” ALONTO ADIONG
Representati
1* District, Lanao del Sur


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

19™ CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NOZ987

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE ZIAUR-RAHMAN “ZIA” ALONTO ADIONG and
REPRESENTATIVE YASSER ALONTO BALINDONG

AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF MUSLIM CEMETERIES
IN CITIES AND MUNICIPALITIES WITH SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF MUSLIM
POPULATION AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

Section 1. Declaration of State Policy. -It is hereby declared a policy of the State to ensure
the rights and well-being of Muslim Filipinos with due respect to their beliefs, customs, traditions,
culture, practices and institutions, and ensure their contribution to nation-building.

Section 2. Establishment of a Muslim Filipino Cemetery in every city and
province.- The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) in coordination with the
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and concerned local government units shall
facilitate the establishment and identification and location of Muslim Filipino cemeteries in cities and
municipalities with significant number of Muslim population, and shall within sixty (60) days from
the effectivity of this Act promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the implementation of the
provisions of this Act.

Section 3. Maintenance and Operation of the Muslim Cemetery.- The management,
maintenance and operation of the Muslim cemeteries shall be under the direct supervision and control
of the NCMF.

Section 4. Appropriations. -The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act
shall be appropriated from the General Appropriations Act of the year followings its enactment into
law and thereafter.

Section 5. Separability Clause. ~ If any provision of this shall be held unconstitutional or
invalid, the other provisions not otherwise affected shall remain in full force and effect.

Section 6. Repealing Clause. — All laws, decrees, executive orders, proclamations, rules

and regulations, and other issuances, or parts thereof which are inconsistent with the provisions of
this Act, are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Section 7. Effectivity.- This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines.

Approved,