Manila, April 22 -- Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Tuesday hailed the signing of Republic Act No. 12160, or the Philippine Islamic Burial Act, as a defining moment in the country's commitment to genuine inclusivity, cultural sensitivity, and human dignity.

Signed into law by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the Philippine Islamic Burial Act mandates the immediate burial of Muslim cadavers in accordance with Islamic customs and religious rites.

The law institutionalizes protocols for hospitals, funeral homes and government agencies to ensure that administrative processes do not hinder this sacred practice, while still observing public health regulations.

"This law is a quiet but powerful affirmation that the Filipino government...