House approves privatization of annual Hajj pilgrimage

MANILA – The House of Representatives on Tuesday approved on the third and final reading a measure seeking to privatize the annual Hajj pilgrimage to provide better services to Muslim Filipino pilgrims.

During the plenary session, a total of 168 lawmakers voted in favor of House Bill 10867, which seeks to allow the private sector to primarily administer the facilitation and processing of requirements for the annual Hajj of Muslim Filipinos.

Three lawmakers opposed the measure, while none abstained.

Under the bill, Muslim Filipino pilgrims will have the freedom to choose their travel agencies, service providers, and airlines for the pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

Accredited sheiks and Hajj operators will guide the pilgrims on the annual journey.

If enacted, the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) would represent the Philippine Hajj delegation, handling government-to-government agreements.

However, the NCMF, which currently handles Hajj preparations, would no longer be authorized to procure services or handle travel arrangements for the pilgrims.

The Bureau of Pilgrimage and Endowment (BPE) shall oversee coordination and monitor compliance among pilgrims but will not participate in fee collection, hotel booking, food procurement, flight arrangements, or visa processing.

The pilgrims shall be solely responsible for complying with the requirements, including the payment of fees. (PNA)