Senator Robinhood Padilla wants 1 February of every year as National Hijab Day with an aim to "ensure cultural understanding and fight discrimination."

The actor-turned-lawmaker on Saturday said he filed the bill "to show solidarity with Muslim women and to value the significance of their wearing the hijab as a sign of modesty."

Padilla's Senate Bill 1272 noted that the hijab is a "visible and distinguishable expression of the Islamic faith" that has been used in "discrimination and prejudice against Muslim women."

"It is our aim to declare the first day of February of every year as National Hijab Day to recognize the millions of Muslim women around the world, and in the Philippines especially, who choose to wear the hijab and embody a life of modesty," said Padilla, a Muslim.

"It likewise aims to foster cultural understanding and inclusivity in our country," he added.

He stressed the need to end discrimination, especially against Muslim women through "awareness, education and empowerment."

Padilla, an advocate for peace in Mindanao, explained that his measure aims to counter the "colonial mentality" where the hijab symbolizes the oppression of women.

"Stereotypical representations lead to misconceptions and one-dimensional view that Muslim women are powerless and oppressed," he noted.