Just how close to enactment is the bill declaring Feb. 1 as annual 'National Hijab Day?'
One of the proponents of the measure, Basilan lone district Rep. Mujiv Hataman, answered this question by posting a clever "pubmat" on his Facebook Saturday, Nov. 12.
A check list on the pubmat indicates that the measure, House Bill (HB) No.5693, has been approved on second reading in the House of Representatives.
Four more steps remain--at least according to the graphic--before the measure becomes a law.
Hataman, a Liberal Party (LP) stalwart, pushed for the institutionalization of the National Hijab Day via his precursor bill, HB No.3725. The Hataman bill has since been consolidated with other similar bills into HB No.5693, which in essence is an anti-discrimination measure.
The hijab is the head covering worn in public by some Muslim women. The measure seeks to encourage Muslim and non-Muslim women to wear the hijab to remove the misconception that it is a symbol of oppression, terrorism, and lack of freedom.
It seeks to stop discrimination against hijab-wearers and protect the freedom of religion and the right of Muslim women to practice their religion.
The measure mandates the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos to be the lead agency to promote and raise consciousness about the practice of wearing hijab.
The House approved HB No.5693 on second reading via voice vote last Wednesday, Nov. 9.