By Erma Edera
Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso called on the citizens of Manila to not discriminate against their fellow Manileños on the basis of gender, ethnicity, and religious beliefs.
(Jerry Tan via Erma Edera / MANILA BULLETIN)
The Mayor made the appeal while welcoming members of the Muslim community who paid him a visit at Manila City Hall.
“All of you are welcome in Manila. As long as you live fairly and peacefully, you are welcome just like all the rest,” he said.
Domagoso said every citizen in Manila should embrace their fellow residents and treat them like they themselves want to be treated. He then recounted the roles that Muslims played in and their rich contributions to the country's history.
“We will make you feel that you belong and have the right to stay and continue helping us, the city government,” he said. “Help us spread the word that our Muslim brothers can do business, study, and live in Manila. Don't ever think that you are different. We are all equal, immaterial of our beliefs.”
Domagoso vowed to have a cemetery for Muslims established in Manila, noting the expense entailed by Muslims having to transport their dead to their respective provinces just to give their departed loved ones a proper Muslim burial.