Republic of the Philippines
HOUSEOF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House BiLLNo.__ 3894

INTRODUCED BY HONORABLE CHERYL DELOSO-MONTALLA

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Section 5 of the Bill of Rights of the 1987 Philippine Constitution provides that
“the free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship, without
discrimination or preference, shall forever be allowed.” In pursuance of this
constitutional mandate, the state shall guarantee the rights and well-being of Muslim
Filipinos with due regard to their beliefs, customs, traditions and institutions thereby
giving them the opportunity to contribute to nation-building.

Muslim Filipinos observe traditional rites to honor and bury their dead, including
funeral procession and mourning practices. They observe the Sunna which is the rigid
conduct of Islam of their traditional festival and ceremony for the dead.

In Mindanao, the kubul (grave) is found in lots allotted by the Muslim Filipino
family as burial site for their demised family member. At times, this may be found in the
garden of their family home. At,present, Muslim Filipinos in the Province of Zambales
still have difficulty in burying their dead. They often have to transport their dead to their
native place in Mindanao for their repose.

This proposed measure seeks to provide a common cemetery for Muslim
Filipinos in Zambales by establishing a Muslim Filipino Cemetery in the province to
preserve the sanctity of Islam belief and culture of honoring their dead.

It is in this light that this bill is being filed and immediate passage of this bil is
eamestly sought.

CHERYL DELOSO MONTALLA
Representative
District, Zambales


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSEOF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILLNo,__ 8894

INTRODUCED BY HONORABLE CHERYL DELOSO-MONTALLA

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A MUSLIM FILIPINO CEMETERY IN THE PROVINCE OF
ZAMBALES AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy. It is hereby declared as 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, as well as to further ensure their contribution to
national goals and aspirations and to make them active participants in nation-building.

SECTION 2. Establishment of a Muslim Filipino Cemetery in the Province of
Zambales. A Muslim Filipino Cemetery is hereby established in the Province of
Zambales which shall be identified by the National Commission on Muslim Affairs
(NCMA).

SECTION 3. Location of the Muslim Filipino Cemetery. The NCMA shall
coordinate with the concerned local government unit in the identification of the
appropriate location for the said Muslim Filipino Cemetery. 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.

SECTION 4. Maintenance and Operation of the Cemetery. The maintenance and
operation of the said cemetery shall be under the direct supervision and control of the
NCMA or its future derivative.

SECTION 5. Appropriation. The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of
this Act shall be appropriated from the General Appropriations Act of the year following
its enactment into law and thereafter.

SECTION 6. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette.

Approved,