Solons file indigenous peoples’ code

COTABATO CITY — The Government of the Day (GOTD) officially introduced one of the remaining priority codes aimed at recognizing, developing, and protecting the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in BARMM.

The proposed measure, filed by the GOTD, led by BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim, is among the top priorities for the interim government during the transition period.

The Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) lists extensive indigenous peoples’ rights, encompassing native titles or fusaka inged, indigenous customs and traditions, justice systems, indigenous political structures, an equitable share in revenues from ancestral lands, free, prior, and informed consent, political participation, basic services, and freedom of choice regarding identity.

Parliament Bill No. 273, or the Bangsamoro Indigenous People Development Act of 2024, seeks to protect, promote, and preserve the collective rights of IPs in the region.

It specifically recognizes and develops their ancestral domain, strengthens their indigenous political structure and political participation, and shields minority indigenous cultural communities from marginalization and discrimination.

The bill covers all native IPs in the region, including but not limited to the Teduray, Lambangian, Dulangan Manobo, Erumanun Ne Menuvu, Higaonon, B’laan, Sama Dilaut, Sama Jama Mapun, Sama Bangingi, Sama Pangutaran, and other marginalized and minority ICCs recognized by the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs (MIPA).

The 19-chapter code covers the title and declaration of policy, ancestral domain, ancestral lands, Fusaka Inged, self-governance and the indigenous political structure, mandatory representation of indigenous peoples in local legislative councils and policy making bodies, tribal justice system, equitable share in natural resources, and priority rights of ICCs and IPs, among others.

Emphasizing the protection of IPs’ right to ownership and possession of ancestral domains and lands, the measure proposes the establishment of an Indigenous Peoples’ Council. The council will serve as an advisory body to assist the MIPA in implementing programs and services for ICCs and IPs, with each recognized tribe entitled to a representative seat.

The measure seeks to strengthen IPs representation in policy-making at the local government level.

In provinces and municipalities with at least five percent indigenous populations, local chief executives are mandated to appoint a deputy governor or mayor representing indigenous communities. To ensure the effective implementation of the Indigenous Peoples Development Act, the proposed code allocates a budget of P200 million.

The BTA is mandated to enact seven priority codes, with five already passed into law. The Indigenous Peoples and Revenue Codes are among the two yet to be enacted. (LTAIS-Public Information, Publication, and Media Relations Division)