Press Release
November 6, 2011

SENATOR JOINS MUSLIM FILIPINOS IN OBSERVANCE OF EID'L ADHA, WANTS BANNING OF MUSLIM WORD IN TAGGING LAWLESS ELEMENTS

Senator Ramon Bong Revilla, Jr. joins the millions of Muslim Filipinos in the celebration of Eid'l Adha, at same time pushing anew the passage of his bill that seeks to prohibit of the use of words "Muslim" and "Islamic" to refer to any person suspected or convicted of criminal act.

"I join our Muslim brothers and sisters in celebrating the Feast of Sacrifice. I understand that this is not only a day of thanksgiving for them, but also a day of sharing, especially to the youngsters and the poor. They invite neighbors- Muslims or non-Muslims- to come to their homes. In this spirit of unity and non-discrimination, I reiterated my call for the approval once and for all of my legislative proposal to ban the use of the words "Muslim" and "Islamic" in all forms of media to describe any accused or convicted person," the lawmaker said.

According to Bong Revilla, the practice of identifying criminals with their religious background is clearly a derogatory remark and promotes discrimination among Filipinos. He said it is only proper that the government be sensitive to the Muslims' social being as legitimate citizens of the country. "The word Muslim means follower of Allah. Thus, words such as "Muslim criminals" and "Muslim Terrorists" are extremely injurious to our non-Christian countrymen. We must put a stop to this religiously biased practice," he explained.

He cited Section 5 of the Bill of Rights wherein it guarantees free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship, without discrimination or preference. "We should abide by it. Stereotyping of Muslims as criminals and terrorists must be stopped," said Bong Revilla, who is an adopted son of the Province of Sultan Kudarat and was enthroned as Sultan Aadil or Prince of Justice.

Under his Senate Bill no. 1990, it shall be unlawful for any person to use the word "Muslim" or Islamic" in identifying criminals in print, radio, internet, television including Cable Television and other forms of broadcast media. Any person found guilty of the said violation shall face the penalty of arresto mayor (one month and one day to six months imprisonment) and fine ranging from one thousand pesos to ten thousand pesos.

"The enactment of this legislative measure will definitely promote better understanding between Muslims and non-Muslims. This might be one of the ways to attain long lasting peace in the southern region, " the senator added.

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