City councilor welcomes House bill withdrawal

DAVAO City Councilor Pilar Braga welcomed the withdrawal of a proposed law lobbied before Congress banning the display of religious images and ceremonies in all public offices.

Braga issued the statement after Kabataan party-list Representative Raymond Palatino has withdrawn House Bill (HB) 6330 that gained ridicule from several sectors including religious groups.

Braga, a senior member of the city's legislative department, told Sun.Star Davao Saturday that Palatino must not "mess around with faith and religion."

"There are thousands and one more imperative concern that they can legislate for the good of our country and people," Braga said.

Braga said Palatino must not play around with the religion.

"Kung mag ampo mi diri ug minoslim, nilumad, naa bay madihado? (If we will pray the Islam's prayer, or the lumad's prayer would that cause injustice to people?)," Braga said in a separate interview.

In a recent statement, Palatino clarified that House Bill (HB) 6330 has no intention to "ban God."

Davao City Mayor Sara Z. Duterte-Carpio earlier said she's not in favor of the proposed law adding that those religious images displayed inside the City Hall are donated by private individuals they are just there to remind the Catholics of their faith. (JOP)