Robin Padilla: End discrimination over race, religion, vs. ex-cons

Discrimination against individuals who are formerly incarcerated must end, Senator Robin Padilla said Thursday.

The lawmaker, who has experienced being discriminated not only because of his faith but also because of being an "ex-convict," made the call during the Senate Culutural Communities and Muslim Affairs' hearing on the proposed National Hijab Day.

"Meron po tayong isinulong na Senate Bill... Ito pong An Act Promoting the Rights to Equality and Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Race, Ethnicity, Religion or being formerly--ako yon--incarcerated person... Lagi kaming, pag nakikita ako 'ah ex-convict oh.' Ganon... Talagang tunay ang discrimination," Padilla lamented.

"Gusto talaga nating mawala na 'yung diskriminasyon kasi pag may discrimination, ibig sabihin noon may kamangmangan... Maraming tao na akala nila na they are knowledgeable but they are fools. Maraming ganon," he added.

Padilla earlier filed Senate Bill 1272 declaring February 1 as National Hijab Day to ensure understanding and to fight discrimination through awareness, education and empowerment.

The lawmaker recalled an incident that he witnessed where Muslim women, who were about to board a ship heading for Bohol, were discriminated for wearing a hijab.

He said the security guard on duty was rude to his companion who was wearing a hijab, but very courteous to those not wearing a hijab.

Several Muslim women leaders also recalled being discriminated for wearing their hijabs.

Samira Gutoc, women's rights advocate, shared that she was shamed in a part of Manila because she was wearing a hijab.

Even in Zamboanga, Gutoc said some nurses treat those wearing hijab differently.

Meanwhile, lawyer Maisara Latiph recalled being discriminated along Recto, Manila when she was still 17 years old.

The lawyer added that some schools had required them to remove their hijab and even some public transportation drivers refused to let them ride because of this.

Latiph said it is high time to pass the bill for a National Hijab Day as this "sends a message of unity and solidarity for people of different faiths in this country."—LDF, GMA News