Local government officials in Mindanao and some senators opposed the proposed identification card system for Muslims only, decrying it as a possible tool for discrimination.
Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARM)) Gov. Mujiv Hataman said the policy “discriminates” against Muslims.
[ads2]
“We believe this policy clearly discriminates against the believers of Islam and could set a dangerous precedent,” he said in a statement on July 8.
Hataman said the scheme could worsen the situation, amid the ongoing conflict in Marawi City, as it could “ignite anger among young Muslims who are the primary target for recruitment of extremist groups.”
“If the requirement is security related, the ID system should be applied to every resident of the community, to every Filipino, not just Muslims,” Hataman added.
He said that a dialogue with security officials should help them learn more about the constitutionality and propriety of the Muslim-only ID system.
He noted that the system is reportedly being implemented in Tarlac, particularly in Paniqui town.
Zia Alonto Adiong, ARMM Assemblyman and head of the Marawi Crisis Management Committee, said in a press briefing that the move shows hatred or fear of the Islamic religion and its followers, or Islamophobia.
“As a civilized country we must counter any discriminatory measure, and uphold the fundamental rights of the citizens of this country against any form of discrimination,” Adiong said.
Several senators also found the Muslim-only ID policy to be against the law.
Senator Bam Aquino said that instead of the ID system exclusive only for Muslims, the government should use a national ID system to help the people gain more access to better government services.
[ads1]
“This should pave the way to more effective ways of delivering government services such as anti-poverty programs and other social services to improve the quality of life for all. Let’s not allow it to be used as a tool for discrimination,” Aquino said.
“Singling Muslims out, giving them an ID and branding them as a potential threat will not make our communities safer. It will only sow animosity,” he added.
Talking on CNN’s The Source, Senator Richard Gordon also called the Muslim-only ID system as unnecessary and unconstitutional.
“It’s about time that we have [a national ID] because of too many inconveniences. You have to get SSS, your license… If you have a national ID, everybody will know who you are, provided that there are safeguards for [invasion of] privacy,” Gordon said.
As for the Muslim-only ID scheme, Gordon said: “I’m against that. We are all Filipinos. That’s against the Constitution.”
Gordon said his bill for the national ID system is still being processed and not yet filed at the Senate yet.
“It may not be the priority of the President, but I think time has come, principally because of the security situation all over the world,” he said.
“We give a lot of intelligence funds, we should know how to do it. If these mayors or these governors know what they’re doing, they would have people in every barangay,” he added.
Senator Win Gatchalian called for the end of the Muslim ID card system in Tarlac.
“The Muslim ID card system is a discriminatory policy which violates the constitutional right of Muslim Filipinos to equal protection under the law. It should be scrapped immediately,” Gatchalian said.
He added that while he took this move as the local government and police’s purpose in implementing the policy, it still singles out Muslims and would raise hostility against them, making them vulnerable to religious profiling by law enforcement authorities. Gatchalian also reminded the public not to treat law-abiding Muslims though they are related to the extremist activities committed by the Maute group.
“Terrorism is an unholy crime against humanity that has been denounced by every religion in the world, including Islam. Our law-abiding Muslim brothers and sisters are not the enemy, and I will oppose any policy which implies that they should be treated with suspicion merely because of their religious beliefs,” Gatchalian said.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana also weighed in on the issue and said that it is an act of discrimination, agreeing with Adiong.
One netizen’s July 8 Facebook post even gained over 900 shares and 1,800 reactions after reacting to the possibility of implementing the Muslim-ID only policy.
She said the Muslim ID should come with its perks without its pitfalls, giving examples such as a 20% discount at Halal restos, Halal shops, cinemas, and more. She protested how only Muslims are targeted when other Filipinos of different religions were not required to get an ID showing their faith.
Sources: ( cnnphilippines.com , gmanetwork.com , cnnphilippines.com , senate.gov.ph , rmn.ph )
[ads3]
