“Qd ,IUN
THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLI
OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
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S. No.
Introduced by Senator S. R. Osmeiia 111
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Hajj or Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is one of the
pillars of Islam and is thus a fundamental duty of all able-bodied Muslims
worldwide.
This bill proposes to explicitly define the mandate of the Office of Muslim
Affairs (OMA), particularly in the administration of the annual Hajj. This will
benefit Fi.lipino Muslims joining future Hajj who will be assured of efficient
administrative support services from OMA especially with the establishment of
regional and provincial Hajj coordinating units.
The bill likewise allows Muslim pilgrims to choose their preferred travel
agencies and airlines, a reverse of the current practice of OMA imposing on the
pilgrims to avail of the services of only three (3) accredited travel agencies and
the Philippine Airlines and Saudi Air. With this liberalized policy, travel agencies
and airlines will thus compete to offer the lowest cost and attendant amenities to
travelling pilgrims. The pilgrims will thus be afforded the opportunity to perform
their Hajj at cheaper cost.
In view of the foregoing, the early passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
SERGIO O S M E ~ ~i i A
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Senator