Actress and halal advocate Queenie Padilla, daughter of Senator Robin Padilla, visited the Bureau of Muslim Economic Affairs (BMEA) on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, to address growing concerns over violations of halal standards.
The meeting, led by BMEA Director IV Engr. Rahmatol M. Mamukid, focused on deceptive sales of non-halal products in Muslim communities, particularly in the areas of Culiat and Commonwealth, Quezon City.
The discussion was facilitated by Chief Aleah Marabur, who represented the bureau in addressing the community’s concerns. Padilla, known for her advocacy on halal matters, was accompanied by Amalyn, a pastil vendor from Culiat, who shared firsthand insights on how these deceptive practices are harming both consumers and small halal businesses.
One of the main issues raised during the meeting was the sale of pork-infused pastil, a rice meal traditionally considered halal. This practice has misled many Muslim consumers, violating Islamic dietary laws and damaging trust within the community.
Vendors like Amalyn have been directly affected by these non-halal products, as they threaten the livelihood of small business owners who rely on the integrity of halal food.
The conversation also uncovered additional non-halal products being sold under false pretenses. Among the items discussed were a version of palapa, known as “Palapork,” which mimics the traditional condiment by using pork, as well as pork-infused biryani and shawarma that were misleadingly marketed as halal.
Chief Aleah Marabur assured those present that the Bureau of Muslim Economic Affairs is dedicated to addressing these violations and will work with local authorities and Muslim organizations to ensure stricter monitoring of food vendors.
She also highlighted the importance of improving consumer education so that Muslims can better identify authentic halal products. The issue raised falls within the jurisdiction of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos – National Capital Region (NCMF-NCR), led by Regional Director Dr. Dimapuno A. Datu-Ramos, Jr. The bureau has requested the Socio-Economic Development Division (SEDD), under the leadership of Ma. Lina Batacan, to conduct an investigation into these violations and provide recommendations for further action.
The visit concluded with a shared commitment between Queenie Padilla and the BMEA to safeguard the Muslim community from further halal standard violations and ensure that consumers can trust the food they purchase. The Bureau expressed its dedication to taking swift action to protect the integrity of halal food in the region.
