(File photo) MANILA - Senators sent their messages of peace through statements as Muslim Filipinos started observing the Ramadan on Sunday. The ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Ramadan is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, and reflection. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the essential obligations that completes the five pillars of Islam testimony that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah (declaration of faith), establishing prayers (performance of the five obligatory prayers), paying zakaah (obligatory charity), fasting during Ramadhan, and performing pilgrimage during the month of Hajj. Senator Risa Hontiveros said Ramadan is a time for reflection and self-restraint. "Now, more than ever, we need to take time to nourish our spirits as we strive to recover from crises and conflicts," she said. Detained Senator Leila de Lima expressed her desire that Muslims always find hope and inspiration from the holy traditio