Manila: A proposed bill ensuring equal access for Filipino Muslims and indigenous peoples (IPs) to public cemeteries has garnered backing from Senate minority leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III. Senate Bill 1273, authored by Senator Robinhood Padilla, aims to address long-standing burial challenges faced by these communities.
According to Philippines News Agency, who expressed support during his interpellation, the bill is timely and addresses real-life issues affecting burial rights. Senator Padilla, chair of the Senate Committee on Cultural Communities and Muslim Affairs, filed the bill after reports surfaced about the displacement of 100 remains in Muslim cemeteries in Quezon City and Montalban due to quarrying activities. Indigenous peoples also face difficulties in adhering to their burial traditions, particularly in urban areas where burial sites are scarce.
Pimentel suggested incorporating a floor plan for public cemeteries and preventing burial lot donors from influencing how cemeteries are partitioned. Padilla welcomed these recommendations.