Manila, July 8 -- A senator on Wednesday urged the immediate passage of a bill that seeks to strengthen the protection of students' religious beliefs and prevent discrimination in educational institutions.

Senate Bill No. 611, or the proposed Protection of Students' Religious Belief Act, filed by Senator Robinhood Padilla, aims to ensure that no student is punished, discriminated against, or compelled to participate in religious classes or activities contrary to his or her faith.

Padilla said schools should remain places of learning where students of different religious beliefs are treated with equal respect.

Under the proposed measure, educational institutions would be required to respect students' right to freely exercise their reli...