Manila Muslim cemetery is a victory vs. discrimination – Hataman

MANILA, Philippines — Deputy Speaker Mujiv Hataman lauded on Tuesday the move of the Manila City government to allot P49.3 million for the development of a Muslim cemetery.

Hataman said the establishment of the cemetery would be beneficial especially for those who could not bring home their deceased loved ones to Mindanao.

“With so much discrimination against Muslims here and in other countries, we find hope and comfort in such a grand and awe-inspiring gesture directed to our Muslim brothers and sisters,” Hataman said in a statement.

“Natutuwa kami at naglaan si Mayor Isko Moreno at ang ang Sanggunian ng Maynila ng espasyo at pondo para sa pagpapatayo ng sementeryo para sa mga Muslim,” he added.

[We’re happy that Mayor Isko Moreno and the Manila City Council have set aside space and funds for the construction of a cemetery for Muslims.]

Hataman also noted the timeliness of the move, noting the issuance, and the later withdrawal, of a memorandum of the Manila Police District (MPD) seeking to compile a list of Muslim students in high schools, colleges and universities in Metro Manila.

“This is what governments should do: to advance the rights and welfare of its citizens regardless of their race, ethnicity or religion. Kaya we appreciate what Mayor Isko and Manila City is doing for its Muslim residents. They recognized a gap in social services, understood the nuances of the diversity in culture, and acted on it effectively,” Hataman said.

“We should eliminate discrimination, not encourage it even more. And in providing for a Muslim cemetery in the heart of Manila, we are inching closer to reducing discrimination. Ito ang silver lining sa lahat ng mga nangyayari sa kasalukuyan,” the lawmaker added.

Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso on Monday signed Ordinance No. 8608 which allots P49.3 million for the cemetery construction.

/atm