By Liza Soriano

MANILA — Senator Robin Padilla praised President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for signing a law that establishes additional Shari’ah courts.

“This is a day of triumph for our Muslim brothers and sisters. We extend our endless gratitude to President Marcos for signing the law to create new Shari’a judicial districts and circuit courts,” Padilla said.

“We also salute our colleague, Senator Francis Tolentino, for standing with the Muslim community to help pass this important measure. Finally, justice is within reach for Muslims with these additional Shari’a courts,” the senator added.

President Marcos signed Republic Act No. 12018, which established three additional Shari’a Judicial Districts and 12 circuit courts nationwide.

The law amends Articles 138, 147, and 150 of Presidential Decree No. 1083.

On August 12, Padilla filed Resolution of Both Houses No. 10 to address the lack of access to Shari’ah judges and courts, particularly outside the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

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