RepublicActNo.

8371|GOVPH

ANACTTORECOGNIZE,PROTECTANDPROMOTETHERIGHTSOFINDIGENOUSCULTURAL
COMMUNITIES/INDIGENOUSPEOPLES,CREATINGANATIONALCOMMISSIONONINDIGENOUS
PEOPLES,ESTABLISHINGIMPLEMENTINGMECHANISMS,APPROPRIATINGFUNDSTHEREFOR,AND
FOROTHERPURPOSESCHAPTERIGeneralProvisions
SECTION1.ShortTitle.ThisActshallbeknownasTheIndigenousPeoplesRightsActof1997.

SECTION2.DeclarationofStatePolicies.TheStateshallrecognizeandpromotealltherightsof
IndigenousCulturalCommunities/IndigenousPeoples(ICCs/IPs)hereunderenumeratedwithinthe
frameworkoftheConstitution:

a)TheStateshallrecognizeandpromotetherightsofICCs/IPswithintheframeworkofnational
unityanddevelopment

b)TheStateshallprotecttherightsofICCs/IPstotheirancestraldomainstoensuretheireconomic,
socialandculturalwellbeingandshallrecognizetheapplicabilityofcustomarylawsgoverningproperty
rightsorrelationsindeterminingtheownershipandextentofancestraldomain

c)TheStateshallrecognize,respectandprotecttherightsofICCs/IPstopreserveanddevelop
theircultures,traditionsandinstitutions.Itshallconsidertheserightsintheformulationofnationallawsand
policies

d)TheStateshallguaranteethatmembersoftheICCs/IPsregardlessofsex,shallequallyenjoythe
fullmeasureofhumanrightsandfreedomswithoutdistinctionordiscrimination

e)TheStateshalltakemeasures,withtheparticipationoftheICCs/IPsconcerned,toprotecttheir
rightsandguaranteerespectfortheirculturalintegrity,andtoensurethatmembersoftheICCs/IPsbenefit
onanequalfootingfromtherightsandopportunitieswhichnationallawsandregulationsgranttoother
membersofthepopulationand

f)TheStaterecognizesitsobligationstorespondtothestrongexpressionoftheICCs/IPsfor
culturalintegritybyassuringmaximumICC/IPparticipationinthedirectionofeducation,health,aswellas
otherservicesofICCs/IPs,inordertorendersuchservicesmoreresponsivetotheneedsanddesiresof
thesecommunities.

Towardstheseends,theStateshallinstituteandestablishthenecessarymechanismstoenforceand
guaranteetherealizationoftheserights,takingintoconsiderationtheircustoms,traditions,values,beliefs,
interestsandinstitutions,andtoadoptandimplementmeasurestoprotecttheirrightstotheirancestral
domains.

CHAPTERIIDefinitionofTerms
SECTION3.DefinitionofTerms.ForpurposesofthisAct,thefollowingtermsshallmean:

a)AncestralDomainsSubjecttoSection56hereof,refertoallareasgenerallybelongingto
ICCs/IPscomprisinglands,inlandwaters,coastalareas,andnaturalresourcestherein,heldunderaclaim
ofownership,occupiedorpossessedbyICCs/IPs,bythemselvesorthroughtheirancestors,communallyor
individuallysincetimeimmemorial,continuouslytothepresentexceptwheninterruptedbywar,force
majeureordisplacementbyforce,deceit,stealthorasaconsequenceofgovernmentprojectsoranyother
voluntarydealingsenteredintobygovernmentandprivateindividuals/corporations,andwhichare
necessarytoensuretheireconomic,socialandculturalwelfare.Itshallincludeancestrallands,forests,
pasture,residential,agricultural,andotherlandsindividuallyownedwhetheralienableanddisposableor
otherwise,huntinggrounds,burialgrounds,worshipareas,bodiesofwater,mineralandothernatural
resources,andlandswhichmaynolongerbeexclusivelyoccupiedbyICCs/IPsbutfromwhichthey
traditionallyhadaccesstofortheirsubsistenceandtraditionalactivities,particularlythehomerangesof
ICCs/IPswhoarestillnomadicand/orshiftingcultivators

b)AncestralLandsSubjecttoSection56hereof,referstolandoccupied,possessedandutilized
byindividuals,familiesandclanswhoaremembersoftheICCs/IPssincetimeimmemorial,bythemselvesor
throughtheirpredecessorsininterest,underclaimsofindividualortraditionalgroupownership,
continuously,tothepresentexceptwheninterruptedbywar,forcemajeureordisplacementbyforce,deceit,
stealth,orasaconsequenceofgovernmentprojectsandothervoluntarydealingsenteredintoby
governmentandprivateindividuals/corporations,including,butnotlimitedto,residentiallots,riceterracesor
paddies,privateforests,swiddenfarmsandtreelots

c)CertificateofAncestralDomainTitlereferstoatitleformallyrecognizingtherightsof
possessionandownershipofICCs/IPsovertheirancestraldomainsidentifiedanddelineatedinaccordance
withthislaw

d)CertificateofAncestralLandsTitlereferstoatitleformallyrecognizingtherightsofICCs/IPs
overtheirancestrallands

e)CommunalClaimsrefertoclaimsonland,resourcesandrightsthereon,belongingtothe
wholecommunitywithinadefinedterritory

f)CustomaryLawsrefertoabodyofwrittenand/orunwrittenrules,usages,customsand
practicestraditionallyandcontinuallyrecognized,acceptedandobservedbyrespectiveICCs/IPs

g)FreeandPriorInformedConsentasusedinthisActshallmeantheconsensusofallmembers
oftheICCs/IPstobedeterminedinaccordancewiththeirrespectivecustomarylawsandpractices,free
fromanyexternalmanipulation,interferenceandcoercion,andobtainedafterfullydisclosingtheintentand
scopeoftheactivity,inalanguageandprocessunderstandabletothecommunity

h)IndigenousCulturalCommunities/IndigenousPeoplesrefertoagroupofpeopleor
homogenoussocietiesidentifiedbyselfascriptionandascriptionbyothers,whohavecontinuouslylivedas
organizedcommunityoncommunallyboundedanddefinedterritory,andwhohave,underclaimsof
ownershipsincetimeimmemorial,occupied,possessedandutilizedsuchterritories,sharingcommonbonds
oflanguage,customs,traditionsandotherdistinctiveculturaltraits,orwhohave,throughresistanceto
political,socialandculturalinroadsofcolonization,nonindigenousreligionsandcultures,became
historicallydifferentiatedfromthemajorityofFilipinos.ICCs/IPsshalllikewiseincludepeopleswhoare
regardedasindigenousonaccountoftheirdescentfromthepopulationswhichinhabitedthecountry,atthe
timeofconquestorcolonization,oratthetimeofinroadsofnonindigenousreligionsandcultures,orthe
establishmentofpresentstateboundaries,whoretainsomeoralloftheirownsocial,economic,culturaland
politicalinstitutions,butwhomayhavebeendisplacedfromtheirtraditionaldomainsorwhomayhave
resettledoutsidetheirancestraldomains

i)IndigenousPoliticalStructuresrefertoorganizationalandculturalleadershipsystems,
institutions,relationships,patternsandprocessesfordecisionmakingandparticipation,identifiedby
ICCs/IPssuchas,butnotlimitedto,CouncilofElders,CouncilofTimuays,BodongHolders,oranyother
tribunalorbodyofsimilarnature

j)IndividualClaimsrefertoclaimsonlandandrightsthereonwhichhavebeendevolvedto
individuals,familiesandclansincluding,butnotlimitedto,residentiallots,riceterracesorpaddiesandtree
lots

k)NationalCommissiononIndigenousPeoples(NCIP)referstotheofficecreatedunderthisAct,
whichshallbeundertheOfficeofthePresident,andwhichshallbetheprimarygovernmentagency
responsiblefortheformulationandimplementationofpolicies,plansandprogramstorecognize,protectand
promotetherightsofICCs/IPs

l)NativeTitlereferstopreconquestrightstolandsanddomainswhich,asfarbackasmemory
reaches,havebeenheldunderaclaimofprivateownershipbyICCs/IPs,haveneverbeenpubliclandsand
arethusindisputablypresumedtohavebeenheldthatwaysincebeforetheSpanishConquest

m)NongovernmentOrganizationreferstoaprivate,nonprofitvoluntaryorganizationthathasbeen
organizedprimarilyforthedeliveryofvariousservicestotheICCs/IPsandhasanestablishedtrackrecord
foreffectivenessandacceptabilityinthecommunitywhereitserves

n)PeoplesOrganizationreferstoaprivate,nonprofitvoluntaryorganizationofmembersofan
ICC/IPwhichisacceptedasrepresentativeofsuchICCs/IPs

o)SustainableTraditionalResourceRightsrefertotherightsofICCs/IPstosustainablyuse,
manage,protectandconservea)land,air,water,andmineralsb)plants,animalsandotherorganismsc)
collecting,fishingandhuntinggroundsd)sacredsitesande)otherareasofeconomic,ceremonialand
aestheticvalueinaccordancewiththeirindigenousknowledge,beliefs,systemsandpracticesand

p)TimeImmemorialreferstoaperiodoftimewhenasfarbackasmemorycango,certain
ICCs/IPsareknowntohaveoccupied,possessedintheconceptofowner,andutilizedadefinedterritory
devolvedtothem,byoperationofcustomarylaworinheritedfromtheirancestors,inaccordancewiththeir
customsandtraditions.

CHAPTERIIIRightstoAncestralDomains
SECTION4.ConceptofAncestralLands/Domains.Ancestrallands/domainsshallincludesuch
conceptsofterritorieswhichcovernotonlythephysicalenvironmentbutthetotalenvironmentincludingthe
spiritualandculturalbondstotheareaswhichtheICCs/IPspossess,occupyanduseandtowhichthey
haveclaimsofownership.

SECTION5.IndigenousConceptofOwnership.Indigenousconceptofownershipsustainsthe
viewthatancestraldomainsandallresourcesfoundthereinshallserveasthematerialbasesoftheir
culturalintegrity.Theindigenousconceptofownershipgenerallyholdsthatancestraldomainsarethe
ICCs/IPsprivatebutcommunitypropertywhichbelongstoallgenerationsandthereforecannotbesold,
disposedordestroyed.Itlikewisecoverssustainabletraditionalresourcerights.

SECTION6.CompositionofAncestralLands/Domains.Ancestrallandsanddomainsshallconsist
ofallareasgenerallybelongingtoICCs/IPsasreferredunderSec.3,items(a)and(b)ofthisAct.

SECTION7.RightstoAncestralDomains.TherightsofownershipandpossessionofICCs/IPsto
theirancestraldomainsshallberecognizedandprotected.Suchrightsshallinclude:

a)RightofOwnership.Therighttoclaimownershipoverlands,bodiesofwatertraditionallyand
actuallyoccupiedbyICCs/IPs,sacredplaces,traditionalhuntingandfishinggrounds,andallimprovements
madebythematanytimewithinthedomains

b)RighttoDevelopLandsandNaturalResources.SubjecttoSection56hereof,righttodevelop,
controlanduselandsandterritoriestraditionallyoccupied,owned,orusedtomanageandconservenatural
resourceswithintheterritoriesandupholdtheresponsibilitiesforfuturegenerationstobenefitandshare
theprofitsfromallocationandutilizationofthenaturalresourcesfoundthereintherighttonegotiatethe
termsandconditionsfortheexplorationofnaturalresourcesintheareasforthepurposeofensuring
ecological,environmentalprotectionandtheconservationmeasures,pursuanttonationalandcustomary
lawstherighttoaninformedandintelligentparticipationintheformulationandimplementationofany
project,governmentorprivate,thatwillaffectorimpactupontheancestraldomainsandtoreceivejustand
faircompensationforanydamageswhichtheymaysustainasaresultoftheprojectandtherightto
effectivemeasuresbythegovernmenttopreventanyinterferencewith,alienationandencroachmentupon
theserights

c)RighttoStayintheTerritories.Therighttostayintheterritoryandnottoberemoved
therefrom.NoICCs/IPswillberelocatedwithouttheirfreeandpriorinformedconsent,northroughany
meansotherthaneminentdomain.Whererelocationisconsiderednecessaryasanexceptionalmeasure,
suchrelocationshalltakeplaceonlywiththefreeandpriorinformedconsentoftheICCs/IPsconcernedand
wheneverpossible,theyshallbeguaranteedtherighttoreturntotheirancestraldomains,assoonasthe
groundsforrelocationceasetoexist.Whensuchreturnisnotpossible,asdeterminedbyagreementor
throughappropriateprocedures,ICCs/IPsshallbeprovidedinallpossiblecaseswithlandsofqualityand
legalstatusatleastequaltothatofthelandpreviouslyoccupiedbythem,suitabletoprovidefortheir
presentneedsandfuturedevelopment.Personsthusrelocatedshalllikewisebefullycompensatedforany
resultinglossorinjury

d)RightinCaseofDisplacement.Incasedisplacementoccursasaresultofnatural
catastrophes,theStateshallendeavortoresettlethedisplacedICCs/IPsinsuitableareaswheretheycan
havetemporarylifesupportsystems:Provided,ThatthedisplacedICCs/IPsshallhavetherighttoreturnto
theirabandonedlandsuntilsuchtimethatthenormalcyandsafetyofsuchlandsshallbedetermined:
Provided,further,Thatshouldtheirancestraldomainceasetoexistandnormalcyandsafetyoftheprevious
settlementsarenotpossible,displacedICCs/IPsshallenjoysecurityoftenureoverlandstowhichtheyhave
beenresettled:Provided,furthermore,Thatbasicservicesandlivelihoodshallbeprovidedtothemto
ensurethattheirneedsareadequatelyaddressed

e)RighttoRegulateEntryofMigrants.Righttoregulatetheentryofmigrantsettlersand
organizationsintothedomains
f)RighttoSafeandCleanAirandWater.Forthispurpose,theICCs/IPsshallhaveaccessto
integratedsystemsforthemanagementoftheirinlandwatersandairspace

g)RighttoClaimPartsofReservations.Therighttoclaimpartsoftheancestraldomainswhich
havebeenreservedforvariouspurposes,exceptthosereservedandintendedforcommonpublicwelfare
andserviceand

h)RighttoResolveConflict.Righttoresolvelandconflictsinaccordancewithcustomarylawsof
theareawherethelandislocated,andonlyindefaultthereofshallthecomplaintsbesubmittedtoamicable
settlementandtotheCourtsofJusticewhenevernecessary.

SECTION8.RightstoAncestralLands.TherightofownershipandpossessionoftheICCs/IPsto
theirancestrallandsshallberecognizedandprotected.

a)Righttotransferland/property.Suchrightshallincludetherighttotransferlandorproperty
rightsto/amongmembersofthesameICCs/IPs,subjecttocustomarylawsandtraditionsofthecommunity
concerned.

b)RighttoRedemption.Incaseswhereitisshownthatthetransferofland/propertyrightsby
virtueofanyagreementordevise,toanonmemberoftheconcernedICCs/IPsistaintedbythevitiated
consentoftheICCs/IPs,oristransferredforanunconscionableconsiderationorprice,thetransferorICC/IP
shallhavetherighttoredeemthesamewithinaperiodnotexceedingfifteen(15)yearsfromthedateof
transfer.

SECTION9.ResponsibilitiesofICCs/IPstotheirAncestralDomains.ICCs/IPsoccupyingaduly
certifiedancestraldomainshallhavethefollowingresponsibilities:

a)MaintainEcologicalBalance.Topreserve,restore,andmaintainabalancedecologyinthe
ancestraldomainbyprotectingthefloraandfauna,watershedareas,andotherreserves

b)RestoreDenudedAreas.Toactivelyinitiate,undertakeandparticipateinthereforestationof
denudedareasandotherdevelopmentprogramsandprojectssubjecttojustandreasonableremuneration
and

c)ObserveLaws.ToobserveandcomplywiththeprovisionsofthisActandtherulesand
regulationsforitseffectiveimplementation.

SECTION10.UnauthorizedandUnlawfulIntrusion.Unauthorizedandunlawfulintrusionupon,or
useofanyportionoftheancestraldomain,oranyviolationoftherightshereinbeforeenumerated,shallbe
punishableunderthislaw.Furthermore,theGovernmentshalltakemeasurestopreventnonICCs/IPsfrom
takingadvantageoftheICCs/IPscustomsorlackofunderstandingoflawstosecureownership,possession
oflandbelongingtosaidICCs/IPs.

SECTION11.RecognitionofAncestralDomainRights.TherightsofICCs/IPstotheirancestral
domainsbyvirtueofNativeTitleshallberecognizedandrespected.Formalrecognition,whensolicitedby
ICCs/IPsconcerned,shallbeembodiedinaCertificateofAncestralDomainTitle(CADT),whichshall
recognizethetitleoftheconcernedICCs/IPsovertheterritoriesidentifiedanddelineated.
SECTION12.OptiontoSecureCertificateofTitleUnderCommonwealthAct141,asamended,orthe
LandRegistrationAct496.Individualmembersofculturalcommunities,withrespecttotheirindividually
ownedancestrallandswho,bythemselvesorthroughtheirpredecessorsininterest,havebeenin
continuouspossessionandoccupationofthesameintheconceptofownersincetimeimmemorialorfora
periodofnotlessthanthirty(30)yearsimmediatelyprecedingtheapprovalofthisActanduncontestedby
themembersofthesameICCs/IPsshallhavetheoptiontosecuretitletotheirancestrallandsunderthe
provisionsofCommonwealthAct141,asamended,ortheLandRegistrationAct496.

Forthispurpose,saidindividuallyownedancestrallands,whichareagriculturalincharacterandactually
usedforagricultural,residential,pasture,andtreefarmingpurposes,includingthosewithaslopeof
eighteenpercent(18%)ormore,areherebyclassifiedasalienableanddisposableagriculturallands.

Theoptiongrantedunderthissectionshallbeexercisedwithintwenty(20)yearsfromtheapprovalofthis
Act.

CHAPTERIV

RighttoSelfGovernanceandEmpowerment
SECTION13.SelfGovernance.TheStaterecognizestheinherentrightofICCs/IPstoself
governanceandselfdeterminationandrespectstheintegrityoftheirvalues,practicesandinstitutions.
Consequently,theStateshallguaranteetherightofICCs/IPstofreelypursuetheireconomic,socialand
culturaldevelopment.

SECTION14.SupportforAutonomousRegions.TheStateshallcontinuetostrengthenandsupport
theautonomousregionscreatedundertheConstitutionastheymayrequireorneed.TheStateshall
likewiseencourageotherICCs/IPsnotincludedoroutsideMuslimMindanaoandtheCordillerastousethe
formandcontentoftheirwaysoflifeasmaybecompatiblewiththefundamentalrightsdefinedinthe
ConstitutionoftheRepublicofthePhilippinesandotherinternationallyrecognizedhumanrights.

SECTION15.JusticeSystem,ConflictResolutionInstitutions,andPeaceBuildingProcesses.The
ICCs/IPsshallhavetherighttousetheirowncommonlyacceptedjusticesystems,conflictresolution
institutions,peacebuildingprocessesormechanismsandothercustomarylawsandpracticeswithintheir
respectivecommunitiesandasmaybecompatiblewiththenationallegalsystemandwithinternationally
recognizedhumanrights.

SECTION16.RighttoParticipateinDecisionMaking.ICCs/IPshavetherighttoparticipatefully,if
theysochoose,atalllevelsofdecisionmakinginmatterswhichmayaffecttheirrights,livesanddestinies
throughproceduresdeterminedbythemaswellastomaintainanddeveloptheirownindigenouspolitical
structures.Consequently,theStateshallensurethattheICCs/IPsshallbegivenmandatoryrepresentation
inpolicymakingbodiesandotherlocallegislativecouncils.

SECTION17.RighttoDetermineandDecidePrioritiesforDevelopment.TheICCs/IPsshallhave
therighttodetermineanddecidetheirownprioritiesfordevelopmentaffectingtheirlives,beliefs,
institutions,spiritualwellbeing,andthelandstheyown,occupyoruse.Theyshallparticipateinthe
formulation,implementationandevaluationofpolicies,plansandprogramsfornational,regionalandlocal
developmentwhichmaydirectlyaffectthem.
SECTION18.TribalBarangays.TheICCs/IPslivingincontiguousareasorcommunitieswherethey
formthepredominantpopulationbutwhicharelocatedinmunicipalities,provincesorcitieswheretheydo
notconstitutethemajorityofthepopulation,mayformorconstituteaseparatebarangayinaccordancewith
theLocalGovernmentCodeonthecreationoftribalbarangays.

SECTION19.RoleofPeoplesOrganizations.TheStateshallrecognizeandrespecttheroleof
independentICCs/IPsorganizationstoenabletheICCs/IPstopursueandprotecttheirlegitimateand
collectiveinterestsandaspirationsthroughpeacefulandlawfulmeans.

SECTION20.MeansforDevelopment/EmpowermentofICCs/IPs.TheGovernmentshallestablish
themeansforthefulldevelopment/empowermentoftheICCs/IPsowninstitutionsandinitiativesand,where
necessary,providetheresourcesneededtherefor.

CHAPTERVSocialJusticeandHumanRights
SECTION21.EqualProtectionandNondiscriminationofICCs/IPs.Consistentwiththeequal
protectionclauseoftheConstitutionoftheRepublicofthePhilippines,theCharteroftheUnitedNations,the
UniversalDeclarationofHumanRightsincludingtheConventionontheEliminationofDiscriminationAgainst
WomenandInternationalHumanRightsLaw,theStateshall,withduerecognitionoftheirdistinct
characteristicsandidentity,accordtothemembersoftheICCs/IPstherights,protectionsandprivileges
enjoyedbytherestofthecitizenry.Itshallextendtothemthesameemploymentrights,opportunities,basic
services,educationalandotherrightsandprivilegesavailabletoeverymemberofthesociety.Accordingly,
theStateshalllikewiseensurethattheemploymentofanyformofforceorcoercionagainstICCs/IPsshall
bedealtwithbylaw.

TheStateshallensurethatthefundamentalhumanrightsandfreedomsasenshrinedintheConstitution
andrelevantinternationalinstrumentsareguaranteedalsotoindigenouswomen.Towardsthisend,no
provisioninthisActshallbeinterpretedsoastoresultinthediminutionofrightsandprivilegesalready
recognizedandaccordedtowomenunderexistinglawsofgeneralapplication.

SECTION22.RightsDuringArmedConflict.ICCs/IPshavetherighttospecialprotectionand
securityinperiodsofarmedconflict.TheStateshallobserveinternationalstandards,inparticular,theFourth
GenevaConventionof1949,fortheprotectionofcivilianpopulationsincircumstancesofemergencyand
armedconflict,andshallnotrecruitmembersoftheICCs/IPsagainsttheirwillintothearmedforces,andin
particular,foruseagainstotherICCs/IPsnorrecruitchildrenofICCs/IPsintothearmedforcesunderany
circumstancenorforceindigenousindividualstoabandontheirlands,territoriesandmeansofsubsistence,
orrelocatetheminspecialcentersformilitarypurposesunderanydiscriminatorycondition.

SECTION23.FreedomfromDiscriminationandRighttoEqualOpportunityandTreatment.Itshall
betherightoftheICCs/IPstobefreefromanyformofdiscrimination,withrespecttorecruitmentand
conditionsofemployment,suchthattheymayenjoyequalopportunitiesforadmissiontoemployment,
medicalandsocialassistance,safetyaswellasotheroccupationallyrelatedbenefits,informedoftheirrights
underexistinglaborlegislationandofmeansavailabletothemforredress,notsubjecttoanycoercive
recruitmentsystems,includingbondedlaborandotherformsofdebtservitudeandequaltreatmentin
employmentformenandwomen,includingtheprotectionfromsexualharassment.

Towardsthisend,theStateshall,withintheframeworkofnationallawsandregulations,andincooperation
withtheICCs/IPsconcerned,adoptspecialmeasurestoensuretheeffectiveprotectionwithregardtothe
recruitmentandconditionsofemploymentofpersonsbelongingtothesecommunities,totheextentthat
theyarenoteffectivelyprotectedbylawsapplicabletoworkersingeneral.

ICCs/IPsshallhavetherighttoassociationandfreedomforalltradeunionactivitiesandtherightto
concludecollectivebargainingagreementswithemployersorganizations.Theyshalllikewisehavetheright
nottobesubjecttoworkingconditionshazardoustotheirhealth,particularlythroughexposuretopesticides
andothertoxicsubstances.

SECTION24.UnlawfulActsPertainingtoEmployment.Itshallbeunlawfulforanyperson:

a)TodiscriminateagainstanyICC/IPwithrespecttothetermsandconditionsofemploymenton
accountoftheirdescent.EqualremunerationshallbepaidtoICC/IPandnonICC/IPforworkofequalvalue
and

b)TodenyanyICC/IPemployeeanyrightorbenefithereinprovidedforortodischargethemforthe
purposeofpreventingthemfromenjoyinganyoftherightsorbenefitsprovidedunderthisAct.

SECTION25.BasicServices.TheICCs/IPshavetherighttospecialmeasuresfortheimmediate,
effectiveandcontinuingimprovementoftheireconomicandsocialconditions,includingintheareasof
employment,vocationaltrainingandretraining,housing,sanitation,healthandsocialsecurity.Particular
attentionshallbepaidtotherightsandspecialneedsofindigenouswomen,elderly,youth,childrenand
differentlyabledpersons.Accordingly,theStateshallguaranteetherightofICCs/IPstogovernmentsbasic
serviceswhichshallinclude,butnotlimitedto,waterandelectricalfacilities,education,health,and
infrastructure.

SECTION26.Women.ICC/IPwomenshallenjoyequalrightsandopportunitieswithmen,as
regardsthesocial,economic,politicalandculturalspheresoflife.Theparticipationofindigenouswomenin
thedecisionmakingprocessinalllevels,aswellasinthedevelopmentofsociety,shallbegivenduerespect
andrecognition.

TheStateshallprovidefullaccesstoeducation,maternalandchildcare,healthandnutrition,andhousing
servicestoindigenouswomen.Vocational,technical,professionalandotherformsoftrainingshallbe
providedtoenablethesewomentofullyparticipateinallaspectsofsociallife.Asfaraspossible,theState
shallensurethatindigenouswomenhaveaccesstoallservicesintheirownlanguages.

SECTION27.ChildrenandYouth.TheStateshallrecognizethevitalroleofthechildrenandyouth
ofICCs/IPsinnationbuildingandshallpromoteandprotecttheirphysical,moral,spiritual,intellectualand
socialwellbeing.Towardsthisend,theStateshallsupportallgovernmentprogramsintendedforthe
developmentandrearingofthechildrenandyouthofICCs/IPsforcivicefficiencyandestablishsuch
mechanismsasmaybenecessaryfortheprotectionoftherightsoftheindigenouschildrenandyouth.

SECTION28.IntegratedSystemofEducation.TheStateshall,throughtheNCIP,providea
complete,adequateandintegratedsystemofeducation,relevanttotheneedsofthechildrenandyoung
peopleofICCs/IPs.

CHAPTERVICulturalIntegrity
SECTION29.ProtectionofIndigenousCulture,TraditionsandInstitutions.TheStateshallrespect,
recognizeandprotecttherightofICCs/IPstopreserveandprotecttheirculture,traditionsandinstitutions.It
shallconsidertheserightsintheformulationandapplicationofnationalplansandpolicies.

SECTION30.EducationalSystems.TheStateshallprovideequalaccesstovariouscultural
opportunitiestotheICCs/IPsthroughtheeducationalsystem,publicorprivateculturalentities,scholarships,
grantsandotherincentiveswithoutprejudicetotheirrighttoestablishandcontroltheireducationalsystems
andinstitutionsbyprovidingeducationintheirownlanguage,inamannerappropriatetotheircultural
methodsofteachingandlearning.Indigenouschildren/youthshallhavetherighttoalllevelsandformsof
educationoftheState.

SECTION31.RecognitionofCulturalDiversity.TheStateshallendeavortohavethedignityand
diversityofthecultures,traditions,historiesandaspirationsoftheICCs/IPsappropriatelyreflectedinall
formsofeducation,publicinformationandculturaleducationalexchange.Consequently,theStateshalltake
effectivemeasures,inconsultationwithICCs/IPsconcerned,toeliminateprejudiceanddiscriminationandto
promotetolerance,understandingandgoodrelationsamongICCs/IPsandallsegmentsofsociety.
Furthermore,theGovernmentshalltakeeffectivemeasurestoensurethattheStateownedmediaduly
reflectindigenousculturaldiversity.TheStateshalllikewiseensuretheparticipationofappropriate
indigenousleadersinschools,communitiesandinternationalcooperativeundertakingslikefestivals,
conferences,seminarsandworkshopstopromoteandenhancetheirdistinctiveheritageandvalues.

SECTION32.CommunityIntellectualRights.ICCs/IPshavetherighttopracticeandrevitalizetheir
ownculturaltraditionsandcustoms.TheStateshallpreserve,protectanddevelopthepast,presentand
futuremanifestationsoftheirculturesaswellastherighttotherestitutionofcultural,intellectual,religious,
andspiritualpropertytakenwithouttheirfreeandpriorinformedconsentorinviolationoftheirlaws,
traditionsandcustoms.

SECTION33.RightstoReligious,CulturalSitesandCeremonies.ICCs/IPsshallhavetherightto
manifest,practice,develop,andteachtheirspiritualandreligioustraditions,customsandceremoniesthe
righttomaintain,protectandhaveaccesstotheirreligiousandculturalsitestherighttouseandcontrolof
ceremonialobjectsand,therighttotherepatriationofhumanremains.Accordingly,theStateshalltake
effectivemeasures,incooperationwiththeICCs/IPsconcerned,toensurethatindigenoussacredplaces,
includingburialsites,bepreserved,respectedandprotected.Toachievethispurpose,itshallbeunlawfulto:

a)Explore,excavateormakediggingsonarcheologicalsitesoftheICCs/IPsforthepurposeof
obtainingmaterialsofculturalvalueswithoutthefreeandpriorinformedconsentofthecommunity
concernedand

b)Deface,removeorotherwisedestroyartifactswhichareofgreatimportancetotheICCs/IPsfor
thepreservationoftheirculturalheritage.

SECTION34.RighttoIndigenousKnowledgeSystemsandPracticesandtoDevelopownSciencesand
Technologies.ICCs/IPsareentitledtotherecognitionofthefullownershipandcontrolandprotectionof
theirculturalandintellectualrights.Theyshallhavetherighttospecialmeasurestocontrol,developand
protecttheirsciences,technologiesandculturalmanifestations,includinghumanandothergenetic
resources,seeds,includingderivativesoftheseresources,traditionalmedicinesandhealthpractices,vital
medicinalplants,animalsandminerals,indigenousknowledgesystemsandpractices,knowledgeofthe
propertiesoffaunaandflora,oraltraditions,literature,designs,andvisualandperformingarts.
SECTION35.AccesstoBiologicalandGeneticResources.Accesstobiologicalandgenetic
resourcesandtoindigenousknowledgerelatedtotheconservation,utilizationandenhancementofthese
resources,shallbeallowedwithinancestrallandsanddomainsoftheICCs/IPsonlywithafreeandprior
informedconsentofsuchcommunities,obtainedinaccordancewithcustomarylawsoftheconcerned
community.

SECTION36.SustainableAgroTechnicalDevelopment.TheStateshallrecognizetherightof
ICCs/IPstoasustainableagrotechnologicaldevelopmentandshallformulateandimplementprogramsof
actionforitseffectiveimplementation.TheStateshalllikewisepromotethebiogeneticandresource
managementsystemsamongtheICCs/IPsandshallencouragecooperationamonggovernmentagencies
toensurethesuccessfulsustainabledevelopmentofICCs/IPs.

SECTION37.FundsforArcheologicalandHistoricalSites.TheICCs/IPsshallhavetherightto
receivefromthenationalgovernmentallfundsespeciallyearmarkedorallocatedforthemanagementand
preservationoftheirarcheologicalandhistoricalsitesandartifactswiththefinancialandtechnicalsupportof
thenationalgovernmentagencies.

CHAPTERVIINationalCommissiononIndigenousPeoples(NCIP)
SECTION38.NationalCommissiononIndigenousCulturalCommunities/IndigenousPeoples(NCIP).
Tocarryoutthepolicieshereinsetforth,thereshallbecreatedtheNationalCommissiononICCs/IPs
(NCIP),whichshallbetheprimarygovernmentagencyresponsiblefortheformulationandimplementation
ofpolicies,plansandprogramstopromoteandprotecttherightsandwellbeingoftheICCs/IPsandthe
recognitionoftheirancestraldomainsaswellastherightsthereto.

SECTION39.Mandate.TheNCIPshallprotectandpromotetheinterestandwellbeingofthe
ICCs/IPswithdueregardtotheirbeliefs,customs,traditionsandinstitutions.

SECTION40.Composition.TheNCIPshallbeanindependentagencyundertheOfficeofthe
Presidentandshallbecomposedofseven(7)CommissionersbelongingtoICCs/IPs,one(1)ofwhomshall
betheChairperson.TheCommissionersshallbeappointedbythePresidentofthePhilippinesfromalistof
recommendeessubmittedbyauthenticICCs/IPs:Provided,Thattheseven(7)Commissionersshallbe
appointedspecificallyfromeachofthefollowingethnographicareas:RegionIandtheCordillerasRegionII
therestofLuzonIslandGroupsincludingMindoro,Palawan,Romblon,PanayandtherestoftheVisayas
NorthernandWesternMindanaoSouthernandEasternMindanaoandCentralMindanao:Provided,That
atleasttwo(2)oftheseven(7)Commissionersshallbewomen.

SECTION41.Qualifications,Tenure,Compensation.TheChairpersonandthesix(6)
CommissionersmustbenaturalbornFilipinocitizens,bonafidemembersoftheICCs/IPsascertifiedby
his/hertribe,experiencedinethnicaffairsandwhohaveworkedforatleastten(10)yearswithanICC/IP
communityand/oranygovernmentagencyinvolvedinICC/IP,atleast35yearsofageatthetimeof
appointment,andmustbeofprovenhonestyandintegrity:Provided,Thatatleasttwo(2)oftheseven(7)
CommissionersshallbemembersofthePhilippineBar:Provided,further,ThatthemembersoftheNCIP
shallholdofficeforaperiodofthree(3)years,andmaybesubjecttoreappointmentforanotherterm:
Provided,furthermore,Thatnopersonshallserveformorethantwo(2)terms.Appointmenttoanyvacancy
shallonlybefortheunexpiredtermofthepredecessorandinnocaseshallamemberbeappointedor
designatedinatemporaryoractingcapacity:Provided,finally,ThattheChairpersonandtheCommissioners
shallbeentitledtocompensationinaccordancewiththeSalaryStandardizationLaw.
SECTION42.RemovalfromOffice.AnymemberoftheNCIPmayberemovedfromofficebythe
President,onhisowninitiativeoruponrecommendationbyanyindigenouscommunity,beforetheexpiration
ofhistermforcauseandaftercomplyingwithdueprocessrequirementoflaw.

SECTION43.AppointmentofCommissioners.ThePresidentshallappointtheseven(7)
CommissionersoftheNCIPwithinninety(90)daysfromtheeffectivityofthisAct.

SECTION44.PowersandFunctions.Toaccomplishitsmandate,theNCIPshallhavethefollowing
powers,jurisdictionandfunction:

a)ToserveastheprimarygovernmentagencythroughwhichICCs/IPscanseekgovernment
assistanceandasthemedium,throughwhichsuchassistancemaybeextended

b)ToreviewandassesstheconditionsofICCs/IPsincludingexistinglawsandpoliciespertinent
theretoandtoproposerelevantlawsandpoliciestoaddresstheirroleinnationaldevelopment

c)Toformulateandimplementpolicies,plans,programsandprojectsfortheeconomic,socialand
culturaldevelopmentoftheICCs/IPsandtomonitortheimplementationthereof

d)Torequestandengagetheservicesandsupportofexpertsfromotheragenciesofgovernment
oremployprivateexpertsandconsultantsasmayberequiredinthepursuitofitsobjectives

e)Toissuecertificateofancestralland/domaintitle

f)Subjecttoexistinglaws,toenterintocontracts,agreements,orarrangement,withgovernmentor
privateagenciesorentitiesasmaybenecessarytoattaintheobjectivesofthisAct,andsubjecttothe
approvalofthePresident,toobtainloansfromgovernmentlendinginstitutionsandotherlendinginstitutions
tofinanceitsprograms

g)Tonegotiateforfundsandtoacceptgrants,donations,giftsand/orpropertiesinwhateverform
andfromwhateversource,localandinternational,subjecttotheapprovalofthePresidentofthePhilippines,
forthebenefitofICCs/IPsandadministerthesameinaccordancewiththetermsthereoforintheabsence
ofanycondition,insuchmannerconsistentwiththeinterestofICCs/IPsaswellasexistinglaws

h)TocoordinatedevelopmentprogramsandprojectsfortheadvancementoftheICCs/IPsandto
overseetheproperimplementationthereof

i)ToconveneperiodicconventionsorassembliesofIPstoreview,assessaswellaspropose
policiesorplans

j)ToadvisethePresidentofthePhilippinesonallmattersrelatingtotheICCs/IPsandtosubmit
withinsixty(60)daysafterthecloseofeachcalendaryear,areportofitsoperationsandachievements

k)TosubmittoCongressappropriatelegislativeproposalsintendedtocarryoutthepoliciesunder
thisAct

l)ToprepareandsubmittheappropriatebudgettotheOfficeofthePresident

m)Toissueappropriatecertificationasapreconditiontothegrantofpermit,lease,grant,orany
othersimilarauthorityforthedisposition,utilization,managementandappropriationbyanyprivate
individual,corporateentityoranygovernmentagency,corporationorsubdivisionthereofonanypartor
portionoftheancestraldomaintakingintoconsiderationtheconsensusapprovaloftheICCs/IPsconcerned

n)TodecideallappealsfromthedecisionsandactsofallthevariousofficeswithintheCommission

o)TopromulgatethenecessaryrulesandregulationsfortheimplementationofthisAct

p)ToexercisesuchotherpowersandfunctionsasmaybedirectedbythePresidentoftheRepublic
ofthePhilippinesand

q)TorepresentthePhilippineICCs/IPsinallinternationalconferencesandconventionsdealingwith
indigenouspeoplesandotherrelatedconcerns.

SECTION45.AccessibilityandTransparency.Subjecttosuchlimitationsasmaybeprovidedbylaw
orbyrulesandregulationspromulgatedpursuantthereto,allofficialrecords,documentsandpapers
pertainingtoofficialacts,transactionsordecisions,aswellasresearchdatausedasbasisforpolicy
developmentoftheCommissionshallbemadeaccessibletothepublic.

SECTION46.OfficeswithintheNCIP.TheNCIPshallhavethefollowingofficeswhichshallbe
responsiblefortheimplementationofthepolicieshereinafterprovided:

a)AncestralDomainsOfficeTheAncestralDomainOfficeshallberesponsibleforthe
identification,delineationandrecognitionofancestrallands/domains.Itshallalsoberesponsibleforthe
managementofancestrallands/domainsinaccordancewithamasterplanaswellastheimplementationof
theancestraldomainrightsoftheICCs/IPsasprovidedinChapterIIIofthisAct.Itshallalsoissue,uponthe
freeandpriorinformedconsentoftheICCs/IPsconcerned,certificationpriortothegrantofanylicense,
leaseorpermitfortheexploitationofnaturalresourcesaffectingtheinterestsofICCs/IPsortheirancestral
domainsandtoassisttheICCs/IPsinprotectingtheterritorialintegrityofallancestraldomains.Itshall
likewiseperformsuchotherfunctionsastheCommissionmaydeemappropriateandnecessary

b)OfficeonPolicy,PlanningandResearchTheOfficeonPolicy,PlanningandResearchshallbe
responsiblefortheformulationofappropriatepoliciesandprogramsforICCs/IPssuchas,butnotlimitedto,
thedevelopmentofaFiveYearMasterPlanfortheICCs/IPs.Suchplanshallundergoaprocesssuchthat
everyfiveyears,theCommissionshallendeavortoassesstheplanandmakeramificationsinaccordance
withthechangingsituations.TheOfficeshallalsoundertakethedocumentationofcustomarylawandshall
establishandmaintainaResearchCenterthatwouldserveasadepositoryofethnographicinformationfor
monitoring,evaluationandpolicyformulation.Itshallassistthelegislativebranchofthenationalgovernment
intheformulationofappropriatelegislationbenefitingICCs/IPs

c)OfficeofEducation,CultureandHealthTheOfficeonCulture,EducationandHealthshallbe
responsiblefortheeffectiveimplementationoftheeducation,culturalandrelatedrightsasprovidedinthis
Act.Itshallassist,promoteandsupportcommunityschools,bothformalandnonformal,forthebenefitof
thelocalindigenouscommunity,especiallyinareaswhereexistingeducationalfacilitiesarenotaccessibleto
membersoftheindigenousgroup.Itshalladministerallscholarshipprogramsandothereducationalrights
intendedforICC/IPbeneficiariesincoordinationwiththeDepartmentofEducation,CultureandSportsand
theCommissiononHigherEducation.Itshallundertake,withinthelimitsofavailableappropriation,aspecial
programwhichincludeslanguageandvocationaltraining,publichealthandfamilyassistanceprogramand
relatedsubjects.
ItshallalsoidentifyICCs/IPswithpotentialtraininginthehealthprofessionandencourageandassistthem
toenrollinschoolsofmedicine,nursing,physicaltherapyandotheralliedcoursespertainingtothehealth
profession.

Towardsthisend,theNCIPshalldeployarepresentativeineachofthesaidofficeswhoshallpersonally
performtheforegoingtaskandwhoshallreceivecomplaintsfromtheICCs/IPsandcompelactionfrom
appropriateagency.ItshallalsomonitortheactivitiesoftheNationalMuseumandothersimilargovernment
agenciesgenerallyintendedtomanageandpreservehistoricalandarcheologicalartifactsoftheICCs/IPs
andshallberesponsiblefortheimplementationofsuchotherfunctionsastheNCIPmaydeemappropriate
andnecessary

d)OfficeonSocioEconomicServicesandSpecialConcernsTheOfficeonSocioEconomic
ServicesandSpecialConcernsshallserveastheOfficethroughwhichtheNCIPshallcoordinatewith
pertinentgovernmentagenciesspeciallychargedwiththeimplementationofvariousbasicsocioeconomic
services,policies,plansandprogramsaffectingtheICCs/IPstoensurethatthesameareproperlyand
directlyenjoyedbythem.ItshallalsoberesponsibleforsuchotherfunctionsastheNCIPmaydeem
appropriateandnecessary

e)OfficeofEmpowermentandHumanRightsTheOfficeofEmpowermentandHumanRights
shallensurethatindigenoussociopolitical,culturalandeconomicrightsarerespectedandrecognized.It
shallensurethatcapacitybuildingmechanismsareinstitutedandICCs/IPsareaffordedeveryopportunity,if
theysochoose,toparticipateinalllevelsofdecisionmaking.Itshalllikewiseensurethatthebasichuman
rights,andsuchotherrightsastheNCIPmaydetermine,subjecttoexistinglaws,rulesandregulations,are
protectedandpromoted

f)AdministrativeOfficeTheAdministrativeOfficeshallprovidetheNCIPwitheconomical,efficient
andeffectiveservicespertainingtopersonnel,finance,records,equipment,security,suppliesandrelated
services.ItshallalsoadministertheAncestralDomainsFundand

g)LegalAffairsOfficeThereshallbeaLegalAffairsOfficewhichshalladvicetheNCIPonalllegal
mattersconcerningICCs/IPsandwhichshallberesponsibleforprovidingICCs/IPswithlegalassistancein
litigationinvolvingcommunityinterest.Itshallconductpreliminaryinvestigationonthebasisofcomplaints
filedbytheICCs/IPsagainstanaturalorjuridicalpersonbelievedtohaveviolatedICCs/IPsrights.Onthe
basisofitsfindings,itshallinitiatethefilingofappropriatelegaloradministrativeactiontotheNCIP.

SECTION47.OtherOffices.TheNCIPshallhavethepowertocreateadditionalofficesasitmay
deemnecessarysubjecttoexistingrulesandregulations.

SECTION48.RegionalandFieldOffices.Existingregionalandfieldofficesshallremaintofunction
underthestrengthenedorganizationalstructureoftheNCIP.Otherfieldofficesshallbecreatedwherever
appropriateandthestaffingpatternthereofshallbedeterminedbytheNCIP:Provided,Thatinprovinces
wherethereareICCs/IPsbutwithoutfieldoffices,theNCIPshallestablishfieldofficesinsaidprovinces.

SECTION49.OfficeoftheExecutiveDirector.TheNCIPshallcreatetheOfficeoftheExecutive
Directorwhichshallserveasitssecretariat.TheOfficeshallbeheadedbyanExecutiveDirectorwhoshall
beappointedbythePresidentoftheRepublicofthePhilippinesuponrecommendationoftheNCIPona
permanentbasis.ThestaffingpatternoftheofficeshallbedeterminedbytheNCIPsubjecttotheexisting
rulesandregulations.

SECTION50.ConsultativeBody.Abodyconsistingofthetraditionalleaders,eldersand
representativesfromthewomenandyouthsectorsofthedifferentICCs/IPsshallbeconstitutedbytheNCIP
fromtimetotimetoadviseitonmattersrelatingtotheproblems,aspirationsandinterestsoftheICCs/IPs.

CHAPTERVIIIDelineationandRecognitionofAncestralDomains
SECTION51.DelineationandRecognitionofAncestralDomains.Selfdelineationshallbethe
guidingprincipleintheidentificationanddelineationofancestraldomains.Assuch,theICCs/IPsconcerned
shallhaveadecisiveroleinalltheactivitiespertinentthereto.TheSwornStatementoftheEldersastothe
scopeoftheterritoriesandagreements/pactsmadewithneighboringICCs/IPs,ifany,willbeessentialtothe
determinationofthesetraditionalterritories.TheGovernmentshalltakethenecessarystepstoidentifylands
whichtheICCs/IPsconcernedtraditionallyoccupyandguaranteeeffectiveprotectionoftheirrightsof
ownershipandpossessionthereto.Measuresshallbetakeninappropriatecasestosafeguardtherightof
theICCs/IPsconcernedtolandwhichmaynolongerbeexclusivelyoccupiedbythem,buttowhichthey
havetraditionallyhadaccessfortheirsubsistenceandtraditionalactivities,particularlyofICCs/IPswhoare
stillnomadicand/orshiftingcultivators.

SECTION52.DelineationProcess.Theidentificationanddelineationofancestraldomainsshallbe
doneinaccordancewiththefollowingprocedures:

a)AncestralDomainsDelineatedPriortothisAct.Theprovisionshereundershallnotapplyto
ancestraldomains/landsalreadydelineatedaccordingtoDENRAdministrativeOrderNo.2,seriesof1993,
nortoancestrallandsanddomainsdelineatedunderanyothercommunity/ancestraldomainprogramprior
totheenactmentofthislaw.ICCs/IPswhoseancestrallands/domainswereofficiallydelineatedpriortothe
enactmentofthislawshallhavetherighttoapplyfortheissuanceofaCertificateofAncestralDomainTitle
(CADT)overtheareawithoutgoingthroughtheprocessoutlinedhereunder

b)PetitionforDelineation.Theprocessofdelineatingaspecificperimetermaybeinitiatedbythe
NCIPwiththeconsentoftheICC/IPconcerned,orthroughaPetitionforDelineationfiledwiththeNCIP,bya
majorityofthemembersoftheICCs/IPs

c)DelineationProper.Theofficialdelineationofancestraldomainboundariesincludingcensusof
allcommunitymemberstherein,shallbeimmediatelyundertakenbytheAncestralDomainsOfficeupon
filingoftheapplicationbytheICCs/IPsconcerned.Delineationwillbedoneincoordinationwiththe
communityconcernedandshallatalltimesincludegenuineinvolvementandparticipationbythemembers
ofthecommunitiesconcerned

d)ProofRequired.ProofofAncestralDomainClaimsshallincludethetestimonyofeldersor
communityunderoath,andotherdocumentsdirectlyorindirectlyattestingtothepossessionoroccupation
oftheareasincetimeimmemorialbysuchICCs/IPsintheconceptofownerswhichshallbeanyone(1)of
thefollowingauthenticdocuments:

1)WrittenaccountsoftheICCs/IPscustomsandtraditions

2)WrittenaccountsoftheICCs/IPspoliticalstructureandinstitution
3)Picturesshowinglongtermoccupationsuchasthoseofoldimprovements,burialgrounds,
sacredplacesandoldvillages

4)Historicalaccounts,includingpactsandagreementsconcerningboundariesenteredintobythe
ICCs/IPsconcernedwithotherICCs/IPs

5)Surveyplansandsketchmaps

6)Anthropologicaldata

7)Genealogicalsurveys

8)Picturesanddescriptivehistoriesoftraditionalcommunalforestsandhuntinggrounds

9)Picturesanddescriptivehistoriesoftraditionallandmarkssuchasmountains,rivers,creeks,
ridges,hills,terracesandthelikeand

10)Writeupsofnamesandplacesderivedfromthenativedialectofthecommunity.

e)PreparationofMaps.Onthebasisofsuchinvestigationandthefindingsoffactbasedthereon,
theAncestralDomainsOfficeoftheNCIPshallprepareaperimetermap,completewithtechnical
descriptions,andadescriptionofthenaturalfeaturesandlandmarksembracedtherein

f)ReportofInvestigationandOtherDocuments.Acompletecopyofthepreliminarycensusand
areportofinvestigation,shallbepreparedbytheAncestralDomainsOfficeoftheNCIP

g)NoticeandPublication.Acopyofeachdocument,includingatranslationinthenativelanguage
oftheICCs/IPsconcernedshallbepostedinaprominentplacethereinforatleastfifteen(15)days.Acopy
ofthedocumentshallalsobepostedatthelocal,provincialandregionalofficesoftheNCIP,andshallbe
publishedinanewspaperofgeneralcirculationonceaweekfortwo(2)consecutiveweekstoallowother
claimantstofileoppositiontheretowithinfifteen(15)daysfromdateofsuchpublication:Provided,Thatin
areaswherenosuchnewspaperexists,broadcastinginaradiostationwillbeavalidsubstitute:Provided,
further,Thatmerepostingshallbedeemedsufficientifbothnewspaperandradiostationarenotavailable

h)EndorsementtoNCIP.Withinfifteen(15)daysfrompublication,andoftheinspectionprocess,
theAncestralDomainsOfficeshallprepareareporttotheNCIPendorsingafavorableactionuponaclaim
thatisdeemedtohavesufficientproof.However,iftheproofisdeemedinsufficient,theAncestralDomains
Officeshallrequirethesubmissionofadditionalevidence:Provided,ThattheAncestralDomainsOfficeshall
rejectanyclaimthatisdeemedpatentlyfalseorfraudulentafterinspectionandverification:Provided,
further,Thatincaseofrejection,theAncestralDomainsOfficeshallgivetheapplicantduenotice,copy
furnishedallconcerned,containingthegroundsfordenial.ThedenialshallbeappealabletotheNCIP:
Provided,furthermore,ThatincaseswherethereareconflictingclaimsamongICCs/IPsontheboundaries
ofancestraldomainclaims,theAncestralDomainsOfficeshallcausethecontendingpartiestomeetand
assistthemincomingupwithapreliminaryresolutionoftheconflict,withoutprejudicetoitsfulladjudication
accordingtothesectionbelow.

i)TurnoverofAreasWithinAncestralDomainsManagedbyOtherGovernmentAgencies.The
ChairpersonoftheNCIPshallcertifythattheareacoveredisanancestraldomain.Thesecretariesofthe
DepartmentofAgrarianReform,DepartmentofEnvironmentandNaturalResources,Departmentofthe
InteriorandLocalGovernment,andDepartmentofJustice,theCommissioneroftheNationalDevelopment
Corporation,andanyothergovernmentagencyclaimingjurisdictionovertheareashallbenotifiedthereof.
Suchnotificationshallterminateanylegalbasisforthejurisdictionpreviouslyclaimed

j)IssuanceofCADT.ICCs/IPswhoseancestraldomainshavebeenofficiallydelineatedand
determinedbytheNCIPshallbeissuedaCADTinthenameofthecommunityconcerned,containingalist
ofallthoseidentifiedinthecensusand

k)RegistrationofCADTs.TheNCIPshallregisterissuedcertificatesofancestraldomaintitles
andcertificatesofancestrallandstitlesbeforetheRegisterofDeedsintheplacewherethepropertyis
situated.

SECTION53.Identification,DelineationandCertificationofAncestralLands.

a)Theallocationoflandswithinanyancestraldomaintoindividualorindigenouscorporate(family
orclan)claimantsshallbelefttotheICCs/IPsconcernedtodecideinaccordancewithcustomsand
traditions

b)Individualandindigenouscorporateclaimantsofancestrallandswhicharenotwithinancestral
domains,mayhavetheirclaimsofficiallyestablishedbyfilingapplicationsfortheidentificationand
delineationoftheirclaimswiththeAncestralDomainsOffice.Anindividualorrecognizedheadofafamilyor
clanmayfilesuchapplicationinhisbehalforinbehalfofhisfamilyorclan,respectively

c)Proofsofsuchclaimsshallaccompanytheapplicationformwhichshallincludethetestimony
underoathofeldersofthecommunityandotherdocumentsdirectlyorindirectlyattestingtothepossession
oroccupationoftheareassincetimeimmemorialbytheindividualorcorporateclaimantsintheconceptof
ownerswhichshallbeanyoftheauthenticdocumentsenumeratedunderSec.52(d)ofthisAct,including
taxdeclarationsandproofsofpaymentoftaxes

d)TheAncestralDomainsOfficemayrequirefromeachancestralclaimantthesubmissionofsuch
otherdocuments,SwornStatementsandthelike,whichinitsopinion,mayshedlightontheveracityofthe
contentsoftheapplication/claim

e)Uponreceiptoftheapplicationsfordelineationandrecognitionofancestrallandclaims,the
AncestralDomainsOfficeshallcausethepublicationoftheapplicationandacopyofeachdocument
submittedincludingatranslationinthenativelanguageoftheICCs/IPsconcernedinaprominentplace
thereinforatleastfifteen(15)days.Acopyofthedocumentshallalsobepostedatthelocal,provincial,and
regionalofficesoftheNCIPandshallbepublishedinanewspaperofgeneralcirculationonceaweekfor
two(2)consecutiveweekstoallowotherclaimantstofileoppositiontheretowithinfifteen(15)daysfromthe
dateofsuchpublication:Provided,Thatinareaswherenosuchnewspaperexists,broadcastinginaradio
stationwillbeavalidsubstitute:Provided,further,Thatmerepostingshallbedeemedsufficientifboth
newspapersandradiostationarenotavailable

f)Fifteen(15)daysaftersuchpublication,theAncestralDomainsOfficeshallinvestigateand
inspecteachapplication,andiffoundtobemeritorious,shallcauseaparcellarysurveyoftheareabeing
claimed.TheAncestralDomainsOfficeshallrejectanyclaimthatisdeemedpatentlyfalseorfraudulentafter
inspectionandverification.Incaseofrejection,theAncestralDomainsOfficeshallgivetheapplicantdue
notice,copyfurnishedallconcerned,containingthegroundsfordenial.Thedenialshallbeappealabletothe
NCIP.Incaseofconflictingclaimsamongindividualsorindigenouscorporateclaimants,theAncestral
DomainsOfficeshallcausethecontendingpartiestomeetandassistthemincomingupwithapreliminary
resolutionoftheconflict,withoutprejudicetoitsfulladjudicationaccordingtoSec.62ofthisAct.Inall
proceedingsfortheidentificationordelineationoftheancestraldomainsashereinprovided,theDirectorof
LandsshallrepresenttheinterestoftheRepublicofthePhilippinesand

g)TheAncestralDomainsOfficeshallprepareandsubmitareportoneachandeveryapplication
surveyedanddelineatedtotheNCIP,whichshall,inturn,evaluatethereportsubmitted.IftheNCIPfinds
suchclaimmeritorious,itshallissueacertificateofancestralland,declaringandcertifyingtheclaimofeach
individualorcorporate(familyorclan)claimantoverancestrallands.

SECTION54.FraudulentClaims.TheAncestralDomainsOfficemay,uponwrittenrequestfromthe
ICCs/IPs,reviewexistingclaimswhichhavebeenfraudulentlyacquiredbyanypersonorcommunity.Any
claimfoundtobefraudulentlyacquiredby,andissuedto,anypersonorcommunitymaybecancelledbythe
NCIPafterduenoticeandhearingofallpartiesconcerned.

SECTION55.CommunalRights.SubjecttoSection56hereof,areaswithintheancestraldomains,
whetherdelineatedornot,shallbepresumedtobecommunallyheld:Provided,Thatcommunalrightsunder
thisActshallnotbeconstruedascoownershipasprovidedinRepublicActNo.386,otherwiseknownasthe
NewCivilCode.

SECTION56.ExistingPropertyRightsRegimes.Propertyrightswithintheancestraldomains
alreadyexistingand/orvesteduponeffectivityofthisAct,shallberecognizedandrespected.

SECTION57.NaturalResourceswithinAncestralDomains.TheICCs/IPsshallhavepriorityrightsin
theharvesting,extraction,developmentorexploitationofanynaturalresourceswithintheancestral
domains.AnonmemberoftheICCs/IPsconcernedmaybeallowedtotakepartinthedevelopmentand
utilizationofthenaturalresourcesforaperiodofnotexceedingtwentyfive(25)yearsrenewablefornot
morethantwentyfive(25)years:Provided,Thataformalandwrittenagreementisenteredintowiththe
ICCs/IPsconcernedorthatthecommunity,pursuanttoitsowndecisionmakingprocess,hasagreedto
allowsuchoperation:Provided,finally,ThattheNCIPmayexercisevisitorialpowersandtakeappropriate
actiontosafeguardtherightsoftheICCs/IPsunderthesamecontract.

SECTION58.EnvironmentalConsiderations.Ancestraldomainsorportionsthereof,whicharefound
tobenecessaryforcriticalwatersheds,mangroves,wildlifesanctuaries,wilderness,protectedareas,forest
cover,orreforestationasdeterminedbyappropriateagencieswiththefullparticipationoftheICCs/IPs
concernedshallbemaintained,managedanddevelopedforsuchpurposes.TheICCs/IPsconcernedshall
begiventheresponsibilitytomaintain,develop,protectandconservesuchareaswiththefullandeffective
assistanceofgovernmentagencies.ShouldtheICCs/IPsdecidetotransfertheresponsibilityovertheareas,
saiddecisionmustbemadeinwriting.TheconsentoftheICCs/IPsshouldbearrivedatinaccordancewith
itscustomarylawswithoutprejudicetothebasicrequirementsofexistinglawsonfreeandpriorinformed
consent:Provided,ThatthetransfershallbetemporaryandwillultimatelyreverttotheICCs/IPsin
accordancewithaprogramfortechnologytransfer:Provided,further,ThatnoICCs/IPsshallbedisplacedor
relocatedforthepurposeenumeratedunderthissectionwithoutthewrittenconsentofthespecificpersons
authorizedtogiveconsent.
SECTION59.CertificationPrecondition.Alldepartmentsandothergovernmentalagenciesshall
henceforthbestrictlyenjoinedfromissuing,renewing,orgrantinganyconcession,licenseorlease,or
enteringintoanyproductionsharingagreement,withoutpriorcertificationfromtheNCIPthatthearea
affecteddoesnotoverlapwithanyancestraldomain.Suchcertificationshallonlybeissuedafterafield
basedinvestigationisconductedbytheAncestralDomainsOfficeoftheareaconcerned:Provided,Thatno
certificationshallbeissuedbytheNCIPwithoutthefreeandpriorinformedandwrittenconsentofICCs/IPs
concerned:Provided,further,Thatnodepartment,governmentagencyorgovernmentownedorcontrolled
corporationmayissuenewconcession,license,lease,orproductionsharingagreementwhilethereisa
pendingapplicationforaCADT:Provided,finally,ThattheICCs/IPsshallhavetherighttostoporsuspend,
inaccordancewiththisAct,anyprojectthathasnotsatisfiedtherequirementofthisconsultationprocess.

SECTION60.ExemptionfromTaxes.Alllandscertifiedtobeancestraldomainsshallbeexempt
fromrealpropertytaxes,speciallevies,andotherformsofexactionexceptsuchportionoftheancestral
domainsasareactuallyusedforlargescaleagriculture,commercialforestplantationandresidential
purposesorupontitlingbyprivatepersons:Provided,Thatallexactionsshallbeusedtofacilitatethe
developmentandimprovementoftheancestraldomains.

SECTION61.TemporaryRequisitionPowers.Priortotheestablishmentofaninstitutionalsurveying
capacitywherebyitcaneffectivelyfulfillitsmandate,butinnocasebeyondthree(3)yearsafteritscreation,
theNCIPisherebyauthorizedtorequesttheDepartmentofEnvironmentandNaturalResources(DENR)
surveyteamsaswellasotherequallycapableprivatesurveyteams,throughaMemorandumofAgreement
(MOA),todelineateancestraldomainperimeters.TheDENRSecretaryshallaccommodateanysuch
requestwithinone(1)monthofitsissuance:Provided,ThattheMemorandumofAgreementshallstipulate,
amongothers,aprovisionfortechnologytransfertotheNCIP.

SECTION62.ResolutionofConflicts.Incasesofconflictinginterest,wherethereareadverseclaims
withintheancestraldomainsasdelineatedinthesurveyplan,andwhichcannotberesolved,theNCIPshall
hearanddecide,afternoticetotheproperparties,thedisputesarisingfromthedelineationofsuch
ancestraldomains:Provided,Thatifthedisputeisbetweenand/oramongICCs/IPsregardingthetraditional
boundariesoftheirrespectiveancestraldomains,customaryprocessshallbefollowed.TheNCIPshall
promulgatethenecessaryrulesandregulationstocarryoutitsadjudicatoryfunctions:Provided,further,
Thatanydecision,order,awardorrulingoftheNCIPonanyancestraldomaindisputeoronanymatter
pertainingtotheapplication,implementation,enforcementandinterpretationofthisActmaybebroughtfor
PetitionforReviewtotheCourtofAppealswithinfifteen(15)daysfromreceiptofacopythereof.

SECTION63.ApplicableLaws.Customarylaws,traditionsandpracticesoftheICCs/IPsoftheland
wheretheconflictarisesshallbeappliedfirstwithrespecttopropertyrights,claimsandownerships,
hereditarysuccessionandsettlementoflanddisputes.Anydoubtorambiguityintheapplicationand
interpretationoflawsshallberesolvedinfavoroftheICCs/IPs.

SECTION64.RemedialMeasures.Expropriationmayberesortedtointheresolutionofconflictsof
interestfollowingtheprincipleofthecommongood.TheNCIPshalltakeappropriatelegalactionforthe
cancellationofofficiallydocumentedtitleswhichwereacquiredillegally:Provided,Thatsuchprocedureshall
ensurethattherightsofpossessorsingoodfaithshallberespected:Provided,further,Thattheactionfor
cancellationshallbeinitiatedwithintwo(2)yearsfromtheeffectivityofthisAct:Provided,finally,Thatthe
actionforreconveyanceshallbewithinaperiodoften(10)yearsinaccordancewithexistinglaws.
CHAPTERIXJurisdictionandProceduresforEnforcementofRights
SECTION65.PrimacyofCustomaryLawsandPractices.WhendisputesinvolveICCs/IPs,
customarylawsandpracticesshallbeusedtoresolvethedispute.

SECTION66.JurisdictionoftheNCIP.TheNCIP,throughitsregionaloffices,shallhavejurisdiction
overallclaimsanddisputesinvolvingrightsofICCs/IPs:Provided,however,Thatnosuchdisputeshallbe
broughttotheNCIPunlessthepartieshaveexhaustedallremediesprovidedundertheircustomarylaws.
Forthispurpose,acertificationshallbeissuedbytheCouncilofElders/Leaderswhoparticipatedinthe
attempttosettlethedisputethatthesamehasnotbeenresolved,whichcertificationshallbeacondition
precedenttothefilingofapetitionwiththeNCIP.

SECTION67.AppealstotheCourtofAppeals.DecisionsoftheNCIPshallbeappealabletothe
CourtofAppealsbywayofapetitionforreview.

SECTION68.ExecutionofDecisions,Awards,Orders.Uponexpirationoftheperiodhereinprovided
andnoappealisperfectedbyanyofthecontendingparties,theHearingOfficeroftheNCIP,onitsown
initiativeoruponmotionbytheprevailingparty,shallissueawritofexecutionrequiringthesherifforthe
properofficertoexecutefinaldecisions,ordersorawardsoftheRegionalHearingOfficeroftheNCIP.

SECTION69.QuasiJudicialPowersoftheNCIP.TheNCIPshallhavethepowerandauthority:

a)Topromulgaterulesandregulationsgoverningthehearinganddispositionofcasesfiledbeforeit
aswellasthosepertainingtoitsinternalfunctionsandsuchrulesandregulationsasmaybenecessaryto
carryoutthepurposesofthisAct

b)Toadministeroaths,summonthepartiestoacontroversy,issuesubpoenasrequiringthe
attendanceandtestimonyofwitnessesortheproductionofsuchbooks,papers,contracts,records,
agreementsandotherdocumentofsimilarnatureasmaybematerialtoajustdeterminationofthematter
underinvestigationorhearingconductedinpursuanceofthisAct

c)Toholdanypersonincontempt,directlyorindirectly,andimposeappropriatepenaltiestherefor
and

d)Toenjoinanyorallactsinvolvingorarisingfromanycasependingbeforeitwhich,ifnot
restrainedforthwith,maycausegraveorirreparabledamagetoanyofthepartiestothecaseorseriously
affectsocialoreconomicactivity.

SECTION70.NoRestrainingOrderorPreliminaryInjunction.NoinferiorcourtofthePhilippines
shallhavejurisdictiontoissueanyrestrainingorderorwritofpreliminaryinjunctionagainsttheNCIPorany
ofitsdulyauthorizedordesignatedofficesinanycase,disputeorcontroversyarisingfrom,necessaryto,or
interpretationofthisActandotherpertinentlawsrelatingtoICCs/IPsandancestraldomains.

CHAPTERXAncestralDomainsFund
SECTION71.AncestralDomainsFund.Thereisherebycreatedaspecialfund,tobeknownasthe
AncestralDomainsFund,aninitialamountofOnehundredthirtymillionpesos(P130,000,000)tocover
compensationforexpropriatedlands,delineationanddevelopmentofancestraldomains.AnamountofFifty
millionpesos(P50,000,000)shallbesourcedfromthegrossincomeofthePhilippineCharitySweepstakes
Office(PCSO)fromitslottooperation,Tenmillionpesos(P10,000,000)fromthegrossreceiptsofthetravel
taxoftheprecedingyear,thefundoftheSocialReformCouncilintendedforsurveyanddelineationof
ancestrallands/domains,andsuchothersourceasthegovernmentmaydeemappropriate.Thereafter,
suchamountshallbeincludedintheannualGeneralAppropriationsAct.Foreignaswellaslocalfunds
whicharemadeavailablefortheICCs/IPsthroughthegovernmentofthePhilippinesshallbecoursed
throughtheNCIP.TheNCIPmayalsosolicitandreceivedonations,endowmentsandgrantsintheformof
contributions,andsuchendowmentsshallbeexemptedfromincomeorgifttaxesandallothertaxes,
chargesorfeesimposedbythegovernmentoranypoliticalsubdivisionorinstrumentalitythereof.

CHAPTERXIPenalties
SECTION72.PunishableActsandApplicablePenalties.Anypersonwhocommitsviolationofanyof
theprovisionsofthisAct,suchas,butnotlimitedto,unauthorizedand/orunlawfulintrusionuponany
ancestrallandsordomainsasstatedinSec.10,ChapterIII,orshallcommitanyoftheprohibitedacts
mentionedinSections21and24,ChapterV,Section33,ChapterVIhereof,shallbepunishedin
accordancewiththecustomarylawsoftheICCs/IPsconcerned:Provided,Thatnosuchpenaltyshallbe
cruel,degradingorinhumanpunishment:Provided,further,Thatneithershallthedeathpenaltyorexcessive
finesbeimposed.ThisprovisionshallbewithoutprejudicetotherightofanyICCs/IPstoavailofthe
protectionofexistinglaws.Inwhichcase,anypersonwhoviolatesanyprovisionofthisActshall,upon
conviction,bepunishedbyimprisonmentofnotlessthannine(9)monthsbutnotmorethantwelve(12)
yearsorafineofnotlessthanOnehundredthousandpesos(P100,000)normorethanFivehundred
thousandpesos(P500,000)orbothsuchfineandimprisonmentuponthediscretionofthecourt.Inaddition,
heshallbeobligedtopaytotheICCs/IPsconcernedwhateverdamagemayhavebeensufferedbythe
latterasaconsequenceoftheunlawfulact.

SECTION73.PersonsSubjecttoPunishment.Iftheoffenderisajuridicalperson,allofficerssuch
as,butnotlimitedto,itspresident,manager,orheadofofficeresponsiblefortheirunlawfulactshallbe
criminallyliabletherefor,inadditiontothecancellationofcertificatesoftheirregistrationand/orlicense:
Provided,Thatiftheoffenderisapublicofficial,thepenaltyshallincludeperpetualdisqualificationtohold
publicoffice.

CHAPTERXII
MergeroftheOfficeforNorthernCulturalCommunities(ONCC)andtheOfficeforSouthernCultural
Communities(OSCC)

SECTION74.MergerofONCC/OSCC.TheOfficeforNorthernCulturalCommunities(ONCC)and
theOfficeofSouthernCulturalCommunities(OSCC),createdunderExecutiveOrderNos.122Band122C
respectively,areherebymergedasorganicofficesoftheNCIPandshallcontinuetofunctionundera
revitalizedandstrengthenedstructurestoachievetheobjectivesoftheNCIP:Provided,Thatthepositionsof
StaffDirectors,BureauDirectors,DeputyExecutiveDirectorsandExecutiveDirectors,exceptpositionsof
RegionalDirectorsandbelow,areherebyphasedoutupontheeffectivityofthisAct:Provided,further,That
officialsandemployeesofthephasedoutofficeswhomaybequalifiedmayapplyforreappointmentwiththe
NCIPandmaybegivenpriorrightsinthefillingupofthenewlycreatedpositionsofNCIP,subjecttothe
qualificationssetbythePlacementCommittee:Provided,furthermore,Thatinthecasewhereanindigenous
personandanonindigenouspersonwithsimilarqualificationsapplyforthesameposition,priorityshallbe
giventotheformer.Officersandemployeeswhoaretobephasedoutasaresultofthemergeroftheir
officesshallbeentitledtogratuityarateequivalenttooneandahalf(1)monthssalaryforeveryyearof
continuousandsatisfactoryservicerenderedortheequivalentnearestfractionthereoffavorabletothemon
thebasisofthehighestsalaryreceived.Iftheyarealreadyentitledtoretirementorgratuity,theyshallhave
theoptiontoselecteithersuchretirementbenefitsorthegratuityhereinprovided.Officersandemployees
whomaybereinstatedshallrefundsuchretirementbenefitsorgratuityreceived:Provided,finally,That
absorbedpersonnelmuststillmeetthequalificationsandstandardssetbytheCivilServiceandthe
PlacementCommitteehereincreated.

SECTION75.TransitionPeriod.TheONCC/OSCCshallhaveaperiodofsix(6)monthsfromthe
effectivityofthisActwithinwhichtowindupitsaffairsandtoconductauditofitsfinances.

SECTION76.TransferofAssets/Properties.Allrealandpersonalpropertieswhicharevestedin,or
belongingto,themergedofficesasaforestatedshallbetransferredtotheNCIPwithoutfurtherneedof
conveyance,transferorassignmentandshallbeheldforthesamepurposeastheywereheldbytheformer
offices:Provided,Thatallcontracts,recordsanddocumentsrelatingtotheoperationsofthemergedoffices
shallbetransferredtotheNCIP.Allagreementsandcontractsenteredintobythemergedofficesshall
remaininfullforceandeffectunlessotherwiseterminated,modifiedoramendedbytheNCIP.

SECTION77.PlacementCommittee.Subjecttorulesongovernmentreorganization,aPlacement
CommitteeshallbecreatedbytheNCIP,incoordinationwiththeCivilServiceCommission,whichshall
assistinthejudiciousselectionandplacementofpersonnelinorderthatthebestqualifiedandmost
deservingpersonsshallbeappointedinthereorganizedagency.ThePlacementCommitteeshallbe
composedofseven(7)commissionersandanICCs/IPsrepresentativefromeachofthefirstandsecond
levelemployeesassociationintheOfficesforNorthernandSouthernCulturalCommunities(ONCC/OSCC),
nongovernmentorganizations(NGOs)whohaveservedthecommunityforatleastfive(5)yearsand
peoplesorganizations(POs)withatleastfive(5)yearsofexistence.Theyshallbeguidedbythecriteriaof
retentionandappointmenttobepreparedbytheconsultativebodyandbythepertinentprovisionsofthe
civilservicelaw.

CHAPTERXIIIFinalProvisions
SECTION78.SpecialProvision.TheCityofBaguioshallremaintobegovernedbyitsCharterand
alllandsproclaimedaspartofitstownsitereservationshallremainassuchuntilotherwisereclassifiedby
appropriatelegislation:Provided,Thatpriorlandrightsandtitlesrecognizedand/oracquiredthroughany
judicial,administrativeorotherprocessesbeforetheeffectivityofthisActshallremainvalid:Provided,
further,ThatthisprovisionshallnotapplytoanyterritorywhichbecomespartoftheCityofBaguioafterthe
effectivityofthisAct.

SECTION79.Appropriations.TheamountnecessarytofinancetheinitialimplementationofthisAct
shallbechargedagainstthecurrentyearsappropriationoftheONCCandtheOSCC.Thereafter,such
sumsasmaybenecessaryforitscontinuedimplementationshallbeincludedintheannualGeneral
AppropriationsAct.

SECTION80.ImplementingRulesandRegulations.Withinsixty(60)daysimmediatelyafter
appointment,theNCIPshallissuethenecessaryrulesandregulations,inconsultationwiththeCommittees
onNationalCulturalCommunitiesoftheHouseofRepresentativesandtheSenate,fortheeffective
implementationofthisAct.

SECTION81.SavingClause.ThisActwillnotinanymanneradverselyaffecttherightsandbenefits
oftheICCs/IPsunderotherconventions,recommendations,internationaltreaties,nationallaws,awards,
customsandagreements.

SECTION82.SeparabilityClause.IncaseanyprovisionofthisActoranyportionthereofisdeclared
unconstitutionalbyacompetentcourt,otherprovisionsshallnotbeaffectedthereby.

SECTION83.RepealingClause.PresidentialDecreeNo.410,ExecutiveOrderNos.122Band122
C,andallotherlaws,decrees,orders,rulesandregulationsorpartsthereofinconsistentwiththisActare
herebyrepealedormodifiedaccordingly.

SECTION84.Effectivity.ThisActshalltakeeffectfifteen(15)daysuponitspublicationintheOfficial
Gazetteorinanytwo(2)newspapersofgeneralcirculation.

Approved:October29,1997