Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 1582

Introduced by HON. AMIHILDA J. SANGCOPAN of Anak Mindanao (AMIN)
Party-List

EXPLANATORY NOTE

‘The very first observance of the World Hijab Day (WHD) was on February 1,
2013. Founded by Ms. Nazma Khan in 2013 in the idea being is to foster social
awareness about they wear hijab and wipe the stigmas attached to wearing hijab.
WHD has become an annual event encouraging Muslim and non-Muslim women to
wear the hijab and experience the life of a Hijabis Woman for a day.

‘There are several misconceptions of women wearing hijab. There are those who
think that these women are being forced, oppressed and worst they are being labeled
as “Terrorists.” In various countries, like France, Mustim Women were banned rom
wearing hijab in public places thus violating their rights to practice their religion.

Hijabi women have been facing several challenges across the globe.

‘There are reports that our Mustim Hijabis experienced cruelty and oppression. For
example in the United States after 9/11 attack, there were Muslim women who were
victims of ill-treatment and robbery. Discrimination and maltreatment of our Hijabi
all around the world continue because people fail to understand the reason for
wearing the hijab.

In the Philippines there are some universities who banned Muslim students from
wearing Hijab. Some of these students are forced to remove their hijab to comply
with the school’s rules and regulations. Some are forced to drop out and transfer to
other institutions. These are clear violations of the student's freedom of religion.

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The wearing of Hijab is every Muslim Woman's right. It is not just a piece of cloth
but it is said to be their way of life. It has been explained in the Muslim. holy book
the Quy-an that it is obligatory upon every Muslim woman to guard their chastity
and modesty.

‘The 1987 Philippine Constitution declares, “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.” (Art. IIL, Sec. 5)

It is our aim to raise awareness and to put a stop to all sorts of discriminations,
including discrimination against Muslim Women. We hope to foster deeper respect
and understanding among and between Filipinos of varying cultures and faith
toward national unity and peace.

Therefore, the immediate passage of this bill is highly sought.

HON, Asaf Pe . SANGCOPAN

‘AMIN Party-list


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No, 1582

Introduced by HON. AMIHILDA J. SANGCOPAN of Anak Mindanao (AMIN)
Party-List

AN ACT DECLARING THE FIRST DAY OF FEBRUARY OF EVERY YEAR AS
NATIONAL HIJAB DAY

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

Section1. National Hijab Day. The first day of February of every year is hereby
declared as “National Hijab Day.”

Section 2. Declaration of Policy. The state recognizes the role of women in
nation-building, and shall ensure the fundamental equality before the law of women
‘and men, The free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship,
without discrimination and or preference, shall be forever allowed.

Section 3. Definition of Terms. For the purposes of this Act, “hijab” refers to
a veil that covers the head and chest, which is particularly worn by a Muslim female
beyond the age of puberty in the presence of adult males outside of their immediate
family. It may further refer to any head, face, or body covering worn by Muslim
women that conform to a certain standard of modesty.

Hijabi refers to a Muslim Woman wearing the hijab.

Section 4. Objectives.

a.) To encourage Muslim and Non-Muslim women to wear the hijab and experience
the virtue wearing it;

b) To remove the misconceptions of wearing hijab that has been misunderstood as
symbol of oppression, terrorism and lack of freedom;

¢) To stop discrimination against our Muslim Women “hijabi;

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4.) To protect the freedom of religion and the right to practice their religion of our
Muslim Women.

¢) To promote and deepen understanding amongst non-Muslims about the value of
wearing hijab as an act of modesty and dignity to Muslim women;

{) Promote appreciation for diversity in expression of oneself and one's faith and
religion, and

g) Promote tolerance and acceptance of other lifestyles amongst the Filipino Nation.

Section 5. Awareness Program. The observance of National Hijab Day shall
showcase Muslim Women’s Hijabis’ rights, Muslim and non-Muslim women alike
are encouraged to don the hijab for one day. Government institutions, private sectors
‘and schools are encouraged to observe this event in a manner that promotes
understanding and awareness among its employees and students as to the objective
of the campaign.

Section 6. Implementing Agency. The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos
(NCMB) is hereby mandated to celebrate this event as the lead agency in promotion
and raising consciousness about Hijabis in the Philippines. It shall conduct activities
that aim to deepen understanding of the hijab as a lifestyle choice amongst Muslim
women. Towards this end, it may conduct fora, information dissemination campaign
and other educational drive to effectively meet the objectives of this Act.

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

Approved,