QUEZON CITY -- National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) Officer-in-Charge Sec. Atty. Michael Mamukid on Friday (March 22) confirm that the Hajj 2024 must continue otherwise any trials might face.
In a press conference, the NCMF OIC Sec. Mamukid said "Our burden now is we are up against time as the portal of Hajj Ministry will end soon."
"We are therefore summoning to all caring department to ease the regulations and expedite the continue transfer of payment in order for us to beat the deadline imposed by the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Hajj," Mamukid added.
The private entity may collect the payment after the Hajj.
The DILG has earlier expressed its profound support for the Hajj 2024.
Cong. Mohamad Khalid Dimaporo said that as the Chairperson of the House Committee on Muslim Affairs, they are sick and tired of the investigations being conducted about Hajj.
The NCMF is now required to comply with the requirements of the DOF.
"We don't want the NCMF to be slapped with Ombudsman cases," Dimaporo said.
That's where the NCMF has difficulties and because of that the Hajj 2024 may have a hard time.
What's missing now is the DBM. And the NCMF was only met by a DBM service director.
According to Dimaporo, DBM Sec. Amena Pangandaman, a Muslim sister herself, should meet with the NCMF officials.
The House of Representatives was assured that the NCMF is in "safe hands" with OIC Sec. Michael Mamukid.
As of today, there are 5,578 Filipino pilgrims, where 2,000 has already paid. The service provider in Mina was able to secure accommodation in Saud Arabia for Filipino pilgrims.
The Bureau of the Treasury has also expressed its full support to the Hajj 2024.
The problem now is how to institutionalize Hajj, especially in the coming years.
Sec. Mamukid assured that the 2024 Hajj will be different.
Dimaporo stressed that the 2023 Hajj had no problems in the sense that no one was stranded.
It was noted that Sulu Vice Gov. Sakur Tan was very disappointed with the food served to the Filipino pilgrims during the 2023 Hajj.
Dimaporo noted that it was already cleared with the COA and the DOF. The only problem now is with the DBM.
The COA ruled that the Mutawiff fee paid by pilgrims is public funds therefore, must go through regular process like any other government funds and because of this, it will take a long time before the money reaches Saudi Arabia.
He stressed that the issue now is the reforms being implemented by Saudi Arabia as the Philippines is not familiar with the measures being taken by Saudi Arabia.
Dimaporo noted that Filipino pilgrims can freely seek sponsorship or financial assistance from private companies for their Hajj.
"You cannot assure that there will be no problems in 2024 Hajj," Dimaporo said.
"We are hoping and praying that Hajj 2024 will be successful and productive," Mamukid said.
JTR Reports 03220224 -- MHE
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