EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
Second Regular Session 
)
SENATE
71 MAR-2 P4 -04
Senate Bill No. 2081
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Introduced by Senator Juan Miguel F. Zubiri
AN ACT
DECLARING THE FIRST DAY OF FEBRUARY OF EVERY YEAR AS NATIONAL 
HUAB DAY AND PROMOTING AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE MUSLIM 
TRADITION OF WEARING A HUAB
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Article III, Section 5 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution affirms that No law shall be made 
respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof The free 
exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship, without discrimination or 
preference, shall forever be allowed. No religious test shall be required for the exercise 
of civil or political rights.
The wearing of a hijab is every Muslim woman's right. It has been explained in the holy 
book of Qur-an that It is imperative upon every Muslim woman to guard their chastity 
and modesty. The hijab is not just a piece of clothing, it Is a way of life.
This measure aims to raise awareness and to stop the stigma that is associated with 
wearing a hijab. It also intends to clear misconceptions about the hijab being a symbol 
of oppression. Across the globe, Muslim women wearing the hijab face discrimination by 
being labeled terrorists. In some countries, even some institutions in the country, wearing 
a hijab in public spaces is prohibited, thus trampling on their rights to exercise and 
practice their religion.
This bill seeks to protect the religious freedom of our Filipino Muslim sisters as we join 
190 nations around the world in celebrating February 1 of every year as the National 
Hijab Day. This is in recognition of millions of Muslim women who choose to wear the 
hijab.
In view of the foregoing, the swift passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
UAN MIGUEL F. ZUBIRI


EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
Second Regular Session 
)
vOffi.;:' i:( 1,;.'
SENATE
Senate Bill No. 2081
■21 MAR-2 P4 :04
Introduced by Senator Juan Miguel F. Zubiri
AN ACT
DECLARING THE FIRST DAY OF FEBRUARY OF EVERY YEAR AS NATIONAL 
HUAB DAY AND PROMOTING AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE MUSLIM 
TRADITION OF WEARING A HUAB
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Phiiippines in 
Congress assembied:
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Section. 1. Short Title. - The first day of February of every year is hereby
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declared as "National Hijab Day."
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Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - The State recognizes the role of women in
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nation-building, and shall ensure the fundamental equality of women and men before the
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law. The free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship, without
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discrimination and or preference, shall be forever allowed.
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Sec 3. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act, "hijatf' refers to a veil that
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covers the head and chest, which is particularly worn by a Muslim female beyond the age
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of puberty in the presence of adult males outside of their Immediate family. It may further
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refer to any head, face, or body covering worn by Muslim women that conforms to a
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certain standard of modesty.
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Hijabi refers to a Muslim woman wearing the hijab.
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Sec. 4. Objectives.
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a.) To encourage Muslim and non-Muslim women to wear the hijab and experience
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the virtue in wearing It;
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b.) To remove the misconception of wearing the hijab that has been misunderstood
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as a symbol of oppression, terrorism and lack of freedom;
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c.) To stop discrimination against Muslim/7/ya/7/;
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d.) To protect the freedom of religion and the right of Muslim women to practice their
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religion;


1 
e.) To promote and deepen understanding amongst non-Muslims about the value of
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wearing a hijab as an act of modesty and dignity of Muslim women;
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f.) To promote appreciation for diversity in expression of oneself and one's faith and
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religion, and
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g.) To promote tolerance and acceptance of other lifestyles amongst the citizenry.
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Sec. 5. Awareness Program. - The National Hijab Day shall be observed every
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first day of February to showcase Hijabis' rights and the Muslim tradition of wearing a
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Hijab. Muslim and non-Muslim women shall be encouraged to don the hijab on this day.
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Government institutions, schools, and the private sector shall be encouraged to
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observe this event in a manner that promotes understanding and awareness among its
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employees and students of the objective of the campaign.
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Sec. 6. Implementing Agency. - The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos
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(NCMF) is hereby mandated as the lead agency in promoting and raising consciousness
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about the practice of wearing a hijab. It shall conduct activities that shall aim to deepen
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understanding of the hijab as a lifestyle choice amongst Muslim women. Towards this
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end, it may conduct fora. Information dissemination campaigns and other educational
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drive to effectively meet the objectives of this Act.
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Sec. 7. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
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publication In the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,