A proposed measure was filed in the Senate seeking the mandatory establishment of Muslim prayer rooms in various public offices nationwide.

Senator Mark Villar filed Senate Bill (SB) 2288, or the Act Mandating the Establishment of Muslim Prayer Rooms in All Public Offices.

Once enacted, the measure would mandate all public offices and establishments nationwide to designate and set up at least one separate Muslim prayer room within their respective premises.

According to Villar, the provision and maintenance of Muslim prayer rooms would also be the responsibility of the public offices and establishments.

Villar noted that some public offices have started creating prayer rooms for Muslim believers pending the enactment of SB 2288.

“It is my honor to be a catalyst of change for our Muslim brothers and sisters. The Islamic faith mandates our Muslim brothers and sisters to pray five times each day. As such, this representation filed Senate Bill No. 2288 or the Act Mandating the Establishment of Muslim Prayer Rooms in All Public Offices and Establishments to guarantee them prayer rooms where they can perform their prayers in a quiet, dry, and clean place,” Villar said in a statement on Friday.

Villar justified the filing of the bill by highlighting the absence of adequate spaces for Filipino Muslims.

“Mr. Chair, as a predominantly Catholic nation, I acknowledge that while our Constitution ensures the free exercise and enjoyment of religious beliefs, without discrimination or preference, there remains a gap in providing the proper spaces for other faiths to practice their religion in public areas,” he said.

He stressed the need to push for a Muslim-friendly campaign in the Philippines.

“I believe that our Muslim brothers and sisters deserve sufficient space to practice their faith, and I am glad to provide that springboard for the Muslims to practice their religious rights,” he said.