Another Islamic religious leader, Abu Thabit Saripada, secretary general of Markazzoshabbab Fil-Filibbin, Inc., has reminded his fellow Muslims that it is "haram" (forbidden) to elect on May 10 candidates classified as anti-Islam and anti-Muslim.

Saripada's reminder is in support to the "fatwa" or religious edict issued during a rally on March 9 in Marawi City by the Bangsamoro Supreme Council of Ulama of the Philippines (BSCUP) headed by Grand Imam Sheikh Jamil Datu Haron Yahya.

The fatwa declared as "enemies of Islam and Muslims" Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino (PMP) standard bearer and ex-President Joseph Estrada, Liberal Party's (LP) vice presidential bet Sen. Manuel "Mar" Roxas III, and senatorial candidate Franklin Drilon, also of LP.

Estrada, Roxas, and Drilon have downplayed the religious ruling's effect on their political run even as they vehemently denied being anti-Islam or anti-Muslim. (Edd K. Usman)