BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Thirteeen years might be not so good.
Loopholes in the 13-year-old Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) have shown reason why the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in the region are pushing for a review by congress including its Implementing Rules and Regulations.
Ifugao Rep. Teodoro Baguilat, chairman of the House Committee On National Cultural Communities, said they would try to amend the IPRA particularly launching inquiries on how Free-Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) was awarded to mining firms.
The lawmaker added that his committee has already formulated a comprehensive IP agenda which outlines key initiatives to uphold respect for IPs’ right to self-determination, review of the IPRA and the organizational structure and mandate of the NCIP in order to provide and prioritize the delivery of basic social services to IP communities, protect IPs from development aggression, human rights violations and militarization, and recognize the IPs role in the peace process. - By Artemio A. Dumlao
