Philippines: Senator proposes motion requiring public institutions to provide prayer rooms for Muslims

In a significant move to uphold the rights of Muslims in the Philippines, Senator Mark Villar has introduced Senate Bill No. 2288, which mandates all public offices and institutions in the country to allocate prayer rooms for Muslims.

The proposed law requires at least one dedicated Islamic prayer room within public institutions, along with regular maintenance to ensure a suitable environment for worship.

The bill was publicly presented before the Committee on Cultural Communities and Muslim Affairs, where Villar expressed gratitude for the opportunity to advocate for the initiative.

He emphasized the need to bridge the gap in providing designated spaces for different religions in public areas. While the Philippines is predominantly Catholic, he stressed the country’s responsibility to uphold freedom of worship for all faiths without discrimination.

Speaking in both English and Filipino, Villar noted that establishing Muslim prayer rooms not only supports the local Muslim community but also enhances the Philippines’ reputation as a Muslim-friendly tourist destination, potentially boosting the country’s tourism industry.