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Senators greet Filipino Muslims on Eid al-Fitr

By Filane Mikee Cervantes

June 5, 2019, 2:03 pm

MANILA -- Several senators on Wednesday extended their warm greetings to the Filipino Muslims as they celebrate Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

Senator Loren Legarda, co-author of Republic Act 9177 also known as the Act Declaring Eid al-Fitr a National Holiday, expressed hope that the observance of this holiday would foster deeper understanding among Filipinos regardless of faith or religious belief.

"As a feast of great importance to Muslims, the Eid al-Fitr has become a familiar occasion even to our Catholic-dominated nation," Legarda said.

"Let us all reflect on the virtues of humility, patience and generosity that Eid al-Fitr signifies. To our Muslim brothers and sisters, I wish you a joyous and meaningful celebration," Legarda added.

Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri urged everyone to continue sustaining the gains of lasting peace for all Filipinos.

"May the teachings of the Holy Month for each and everyone to bear their respective and societal challenges in patience be observed while joining hands as a nation to realize the lofty promise of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM)," Zubiri said.

Senator Grace Poe said the month of daily fasting is not only a "sacred duty, but a powerful teaching to remind us of our shared obligation with all faiths to aid those who live in suffering and poverty."

"Let's work together to build a more humane world," Poe added.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, meanwhile, highlighted that aside from the festivities marking the end of Ramadan, it is also worth noting to celebrate the passage of the Islamic Banking Act in the Senate.

Gatchalian said this landmark legislation reinforces the government's efforts to enable and empower the BARMM, as it provides the legal and regulatory framework for the development of Islamic financing in the country for Filipino Muslims to have access to inclusive and responsive banking and financial services that are compliant with the principles of Shariah or Islamic law.

"I am pleased that this year's festivities of the most important of Muslim holidays has become a twin celebration as we also usher in a new era of equality and inclusivity in banking and finance for our Muslim brothers and sisters," Gatchalian said. (PNA)

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