Republic of the Philippines  
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City  
EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS 
Second Regular Session  
HOUSE BILL NO. _________ 
Introduced by Representative Mercedes “Didi” C. Cagas 
AN ACT  
ESTABLISHING A MUSLIM FILIPINO CEMETERY IN THE PROVINCE OF DAVAO 
DEL SUR AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Pursuant to Section 11, Article II and Section 5, Article III of the 1987 Constitution, it 
is the policy of the State to value the dignity of every human being and guarantee full respect 
for human rights regardless of religious beliefs.  
In pursuit of ensuring the preservation of the health and dignity of the Muslim Filipinos 
of Davao Del Sur and their free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship 
without discrimination, this representation proposes the establishment of a dedicated public 
cemetery that shall cater to Filipino Muslims in the Province to serve as burial grounds for the 
bodies of their deceased loved-ones in keeping with the faith, religious practices and traditions 
of the deceased and their families that is free from discrimination of any form or manner. 
It is for the foregoing reason that the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
MERCEDES “DIDI” C. CAGAS 
August 24, 2021
3:05 pm
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Republic of the Philippines  
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City  
EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS 
Second Regular Session  
HOUSE BILL NO. _________ 
Introduced by Representative Mercedes “Didi” C. Cagas 
AN ACT  
ESTABLISHING A MUSLIM FILIPINO CEMETERY IN THE PROVINCE OF DAVAO 
DEL SUR AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled:  
SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy. – It is hereby declared the policy of the State to ensure 
the rights and well-being of Muslim Filipinos with due regard to their beliefs, customs, 
traditions and institutions.   
SEC.  2. Establishment of a Muslim Filipino Cemetery in the Province of Davao Del Sur. – A 
Muslim Filipino Cemetery is hereby established in the Province of Davao Del Sur, the location 
of which shall be identified by the National Commission on Muslim Affairs (NCMA) in 
coordination with the concerned local government unit.  The NCMA shall, within ninety (90) 
days, from the approval of this Act form a technical working group to formulate an 
implementation plan for the said cemetery. 
SEC. 3. Maintenance and Operation of the Cemetery. – The maintenance and operation of the 
Muslim Filipino Cemetery shall be under the direct supervision and control of the NCMA.  
SEC. 4. Appropriation. – The amount necessary for the implementation of this Act shall be 
charged to the current appropriations for the NCMA.  Thereafter, such sum as may be necessary 
for the continuous operation and maintenance of the Muslim Filipino Cemetery shall be 
included in the Annual General Appropriations Act. 
SEC. 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. 
SEC. 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. 
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SEC. 7. Effectivity Clause. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its complete 
publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.   
 
Approved,