The Bangsamoro Parliament has introduced a significant measure aimed at enhancing hygiene and sanitation in public and commercial facilities across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Parliament Bill No. 340, also known as the Restroom Handheld Bidet Sprayer Act, was proposed by Parliament Member Suharto S. Esmael and seeks to mandate the installation of handheld bidet sprayers in public restrooms.
This proposed legislation is a response to growing concerns about the region’s hygiene standards and aims to reduce health risks linked to inadequate sanitation facilities. Once passed, the bill will require the installation of bidet sprayers in restrooms of various public venues, including malls, hospitals, cinemas, restaurants, hotels, airports, gas stations, and terminals across all cities and municipalities in BARMM.
The bill underscores the importance of proper sanitation, especially in high-traffic public spaces. Bidets, which are commonly used in many parts of the world, are known to improve cleanliness and reduce the spread of bacteria and infections, offering a more hygienic alternative to toilet paper. Their installation is expected to enhance the overall health and wellness of communities, reducing the risk of communicable diseases, particularly those transmitted via poor hand hygiene.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) will be responsible for developing guidelines and protocols to ensure proper compliance with the bill’s mandates, ensuring that bidets are installed and maintained according to health and safety standards. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Internal and Local Government (MILG) will be tasked with implementing, enforcing, monitoring, and evaluating the legislation across all affected establishments.
Non-compliance with the bill will result in penalties. Establishments that fail to meet the requirements will receive an initial warning, followed by a 30-day grace period to make the necessary adjustments. First-time violators will face fines of P5,000, with penalties escalating to as much as P50,000 for repeat offenders. Persistent non-compliance could lead to the suspension of operations. Government offices will also be subject to administrative sanctions if they fail to comply, holding the heads of those offices accountable.
Co-authors of the bill include several prominent members of the Bangsamoro Parliament: MPs Abdulwahab M. Pak, Hatimil E. Hassan, Ibrahim D. Ali, Mudjib C. Abu, Michael E. Midtimbang, Diamila D. Ramos, Paisalin P. Tago, Baintan A. Ampatuan, Eddie M. Alih, Abdulaziz M. Amenoden, Bai Maleiha B. Candao, Nabila Margarita P. Pangandaman, and Nurredha Misuari.
If passed, the Restroom Handheld Bidet Sprayer Act will mark a significant step forward in the region’s efforts to modernize public sanitation and uphold higher hygiene standards, providing long-term health benefits to the people of BARMM.
