The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) welcomes the approval of the addition of the hijab in the uniform of female Muslim personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). As the Gender Ombud, the Commission highlights that wearing a hijab is an exercise of Muslim women’s freedom of religion and free expression. The new policy of the PCG fulfills the mandate in the Magna Carta of Women providing for the recognition and respect of the “rights of Moro women to practice, promote, protect, and preserve their own cultures, traditions, and institutions.” Under the Magna Carta, the State shall consider these rights in the formulation and implementation of policies and programs.

We urge the PCG to also adopt policies that ensure that Muslim women do not suffer any form of discrimination when they wear their hijabs and perform other acts in furtherance of their religious freedom. The inclusion of the hijab in their uniform would only be able to attain the objectives of fulfilling their rights and respecting their religion and culture in an enabling environment.

The Commission encourages other government agencies and private entities to adopt similar policies that provide allow Muslim women to exercise their religious freedom, and have the free choice to wear religious clothing without discrimination. These foster mutual respect and appreciation among cultures and religions, which are important building blocks for a harmonious society.