Question & AnswerQ&A (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1414)
The main policy declared is to integrate certain ethnic groups who seek full integration into the mainstream Philippine society, while protecting the rights of those who wish to preserve their original lifeways beside that community.
National Minorities refer to the non-Muslim hill tribes mentioned under Presidential Decree No. 719 and other non-Muslim national minorities, whether called National Cultural Minorities or Cultural Communities under other laws.
PANAMIN is mandated to act for and on behalf of the President on matters relating to National Minorities, including performing powers under PD No. 719 and RA No. 1888, establishing research centers, designing development projects, providing legal and medical aid, inspecting licenses affecting minorities, awarding grants, and undertaking other functions vital to national interest.
PANAMIN is headed by a Presidential Assistant who is of cabinet rank and has all privileges and prerogatives of a regular Cabinet member.
PANAMIN has the exclusive authority to issue certifications attesting to bona fide membership in a tribal or ethno-linguistic group for qualifications in government appointments and other legal benefits.
Prior inspection jointly conducted by PANAMIN and the Bureau of Forest Development must occur, and PANAMIN must issue a certification that no member of the National Minorities occupies or has claim to the area applied for; otherwise, relevant areas must be excluded.
Yes, PANAMIN is authorized to accept grants, donations, gifts, funds, and/or property for the benefit of National Minorities and to administer them according to the terms or as it determines to best benefit the National Minorities.
The Presidential Assistant may appoint, discipline, or remove personnel and determine their compensation; appointments can include tribal leaders without the requisite civil service eligibility if it benefits National Minorities and government interests.
All inconsistent laws, orders, proclamations, rules, regulations, or parts thereof are repealed or modified accordingly.
The Decree took effect immediately upon its promulgation on June 9, 1978.