House vows to defend religious freedom as nation marks Eid’l Adha

Speaker Martin Romualdez on Friday expressed the strong commitment of the House of Representatives to uphold religious freedoms and advance policies that protect diversity and inclusion, as the nation marked Eid al-Adha, one of the most sacred holidays in Islam.

“I reaffirm the commitment of Congress to support policies that honor diversity and uphold religious freedoms. Our unity as a nation is strengthened by the respect we show for one another’s traditions and expressions of faith,” Romualdez said in observance of the Feast of Sacrifice.

Eid’l Adha honors the profound faith and obedience of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), who was willing to sacrifice his son in submission to God’s command. People observe the occasion with prayers, feasts, and the tradition of sharing meat with family, friends, and those in need.

Romualdez said the celebration presents an opportunity for reflection not only on faith and obedience, but also on the duty of leaders to safeguard freedoms that allow every Filipino to practice their beliefs without fear or prejudice.

“Eid’l Adha reminds us of the power of obedience to a higher calling, the importance of selflessness and the strength found in unity. These are values that resonate not only within the Islamic tradition but also across all faiths and cultures. They are values that bind us together as a people, regardless of belief or background,” he added.

Romualdez emphasized that the lesson behind the holiday calls on all public officials to exercise servant leadership and pursue justice in their work.

“The story of Eid’l Adha speaks of sacrifice made out of trust and devotion. In today’s world, this message remains relevant. It calls on all of us in government and society to serve with sincerity, to uphold justice and to always act in the best interest of the people we represent,” he said.

The seasoned legislator also called on Filipinos to draw inspiration from the sacred occasion in building a more compassionate and inclusive nation.