"We believe that it is but proper that Muslims and other ethnic minority groups should have formal and legitimate representation in our local legislative body," Manila Mayor Lito Atienza told representatives of the Muslim communities during a recent dialogue held at the Manila City Hall.
The plan came following numerous complaints of harassment and abuses against members of Muslim communities and other ethnic minority groups allegedly by City Hall and police officials. These communities are located in Quiapo, San Andres, Sampaloc, Baseco and Malate.
Atienza said a general assembly of Muslim leaders would be held next week to give them a chance to choose who among them would sit as sectoral representative in the local legislative body, an act mandated by the Local Government Code.
The mayor explained that the sectoral representative would be chosen by secret ballots to be cast by the leaders during the assembly. "Everyone is considered a candidate and there would be no need to campaign," he noted.
At the same time, Atienza also encouraged Muslim leaders to file complaints against abusive City Hall and police officials "so that disciplinary measures, including dismissal from the service and the filing of criminal and administrative charges, could be meted out.
He assured that his office and that of Western Police District (WPD) director Chief Superintendent Nicolas Pacinos would act against abusive City Hall and police officials. – Cecille Suerte Felipe