House: Law on Islamic burials a commitment to religious freedom

The newly signed law on Islamic burials represents the government’s commitment to upholding religious freedom and cultural norms, House of Representatives lawmakers said on Tuesday. — Inquirer file photo

MANILA, Philippines — The newly signed law on Islamic burials represents the government’s commitment to upholding religious freedom and cultural norms, House of Representatives lawmakers said on Tuesday.

In a statement, House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s signing of Republic Act 12160 or the Philippine Islamic Burial Act is a “quiet but powerful affirmation” of the government’s understanding of customs specific to members of the populace.

READ: Marcos signs Philippine Islamic Burial Act

Under the law, proper steps regarding the immediate burial of Filipino Muslims are outlined, in line with Islamic traditions.

“This law is a quiet but powerful affirmation that the Filipino government listens, understands and acts. With RA 12160, we are proving that governance is not merely about passing policies; it is about honoring people’s faith, their identity and their traditions, even in their final hours,” Romualdez said.

“This measure uplifts our Muslim brothers and sisters who, for years, have struggled to uphold a basic tenet of their faith in the face of red tape and costly logistics. Now, we correct that with compassion and resolve,” he added.

The new law, which was signed by Marcos last April 11, was a bill approved by the House in September 2023.  Under the measure, burial of Filipino Muslims will be allowed even without a death certificate, as Islamic rules require that bodies be laid to rest within 24 hours after a person’s passing.

READ: House OKs bill seeking to ensure proper burial of Muslim Filipinos

This means hospitals, funeral parlors, morgues, and custodial and jail facilities will be required to produce the body of a Filipino Muslim who died within the first 24 hours after death.

The cadaver will be wrapped with white cloth and placed in an airtight bag or a cadaver wooden box that is leak proof, zipped or closed with tapes or bandage strips.

The new law mandates the Department of Health to craft guidelines in ensuring prompt release of remains from hospitals, while the Department of the Interior and Local Government will work with local government units to ensure that burial grounds and transportation modes are available.

Romualdez, meanwhile, thanked and commended Lanao del Sur 1st District Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, who was one of the principal authors of the bill, as he strived to push for a measure “deeply rooted in cultural sensitivity and religious justice.”

“Congressman Zia’s resolve reflects the heart of Mindanao and the spirit of genuine representation. His voice carries not only the cry of his people, but the ideals of a country that seeks to embrace all its children, equally and respectfully,” he said.

“This law tells every Filipino – regardless of faith – that you matter. That your culture is honored, your beliefs are protected, and even in death, your dignity will never be diminished,” Speaker Romualdez said.

Adiong also thanked Marcos for signing the bill into law, as it recognizes the religious rights of Filipino Muslims.

“We thank President Marcos for recognizing the importance of safeguarding the religious rights of Filipino Muslims, even in death,” Adiong said in a separate statement.

“The enactment of RA 12160 honors our sacred duty to ensure the proper and timely burial of our deceased loved ones,” he added.

According to Adiong, the law was a product of “collaborative leadership and mutual respect.”

“I thank my fellow legislators for their compassion and commitment to inclusive policymaking that truly reflects the needs of our people,” he said.

“This is more than a policy — it is a reaffirmation of our right to religious freedom and cultural dignity. With this law, we take a meaningful step toward a more just, inclusive, and compassionate nation,” he added.