ROBIN URGES QUIAPO MUSLIMS TO HELP CLEAN DISTRICT’S IMAGE

SENATOR Robinhood “Robin” C. Padilla on Saturday encouraged his fellow Muslims in Manila’s Quiapo area to unite in cleaning up the district’s image – and they can do so by investing in the country’s growing halal industry.

During his visit to Quiapo Saturday morning, Padilla cited the big opportunities for the halal industry after President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. promised to provide support and funding for it.

“Laging pinamamalita ng ibang tao, ang Quiapo ay magulo, e pagpunta ko rito, wala namang magulo rito. Puro business lang dito. Kaya dapat tulungan natin si Congressman (Joel Chua) na linisin ang masamang imaheng binabato sa atin,” Padilla said.

He added the halal industry worldwide is now worth trillions of dollars. “Aba, napakalaking pera po noon. Ganoon kalaki ang industriya ng halal. Kaya mga kapatid ko tandaan natin ito sapagka’t ito priority ng gobyerno (That is how big the industry is. And we must keep this in,”

He said the Department of Trade and Industry is providing funding for the halal industry, including for building slaughterhouses. He also said the industry has the support of countries like Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates.

Padilla added halal also means Muslims must make sure their neighbors are safe. He promised to help Congressman Chua address the problems in Quiapo.

Padilla also appealed anew to his fellow Muslims to unite and not think of tribal and political differences. “Lahat tayo ay maging Muslim muna,” he said.