Rights Protection for Indigenous Peoples

Ancestral Domains include all areas traditionally occupied by ICCs/IPs comprising lands and natural resources.
Ancestral Lands refer specifically to lands occupied by individuals or clans continuously from time immemorial.
Customary Laws refer to traditional rules and practices recognized by ICCs/IPs.
Free and Prior Informed Consent ensures ICCs/IPs' voluntary agreement without coercion.
Other key terms include Certificates of Ancestral Domain Title, Indigenous Political Structures, Native Title, and Sustainable Traditional Resource Rights.

ICCs/IPs have recognized ownership and possession rights over their ancestral domains.
Rights include ownership of land and resources, development control, staying in their territories, and regulating migrant entry.
Protection against forced relocation without free and prior informed consent.
Rights extend to safe environment, conflict resolution according to customary laws, and claiming parts of reserved lands.

ICCs/IPs' ownership and possession rights over ancestral lands secured.
Transfer of land/property rights permitted within the community subject to customary laws.
Right of redemption within 15 years if transfers to non-members are vitiated by unconscionable terms.

Obligated to maintain ecological balance and preserve flora, fauna, and watersheds.
Duty to participate in reforestation and development projects.
Comply with the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act and related rules.

Unauthorized use or violation of ancestral domains is punishable.
Government must prevent exploitation of ICCs/IPs due to lack of legal understanding.

Native Title rights acknowledged formally through Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT).
ICCs/IPs with ancestral lands have option to secure individual title under certain Republic Acts within 20 years.

Inherent right to self-governance and self-determination respected by the State.
Right to participate in decisions affecting their lives and maintain indigenous political structures.
State ensures mandatory representation in policy bodies and local councils.
Formation of tribal barangays is enabled.
Support for autonomous regions and peoples' organizations recognized.

Equal protection and rights in employment, basic services, education, and human rights.
Special protections during armed conflict, forbidding forced recruitment.
ICCs/IPs have freedom from discrimination, right to equal employment treatment, and protection especially against coercive labor practices.
Access to vocational training, housing, health services, with special attention to women, youth, and differently-abled persons.

Protection and promotion of ICCs/IPs' cultural traditions, institutions, and education systems.
The State supports ICCs/IPs’ rights to use their languages and cultural practices.
Recognition of cultural diversity in education, public information, and media.
Rights to community intellectual property, sacred sites, and religious ceremonies guarded.
Protection of indigenous knowledge, genetic resources, and sustainable agro-technical development.

Created as the primary government agency under the President to implement indigenous peoples’ rights.
Composed of seven Commissioners representing ethnographic regions, with gender and professional qualifications requirements.
Powers include policy formulation, issuance of ancestral domain titles, coordination of programs, and legal assistance.
Offices include: Ancestral Domains, Policy and Research, Culture/Education/Health, Socio-Economic Services, Empowerment and Human Rights, Administrative, and Legal Affairs.
Transparency ensured via public access to official records.

Emphasizes self-delineation by ICCs/IPs with decisive community involvement.
Petition-based process initiated by NCIP or by majority community members.
Evidentiary requirements include sworn statements of elders, historical documents, maps, and genealogical data.
Public notices, publication, and opportunity for opposition are mandated.
Issuance and registration of Certificates of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) and Certificates of Ancestral Lands Title.

ICCs/IPs have priority rights on natural resources within ancestral domains.
Resource development requires community consent and adherence to environmental safeguards.
Critical ecological areas are protected in partnership with ICCs/IPs.
Projects affecting ancestral domains require NCIP certification with free and prior informed consent.

Lands under CADT exempt from real property taxes except certain commercial uses.
NCIP may utilize other government survey teams temporarily for delineation.

Customary laws shall be the first recourse for resolving disputes.
NCIP holds jurisdiction over ICCs/IPs claims after customary remedies are exhausted.
Decisions of NCIP appealable to Court of Appeals.
NCIP has quasi-judicial powers including rule-making, administering oaths, summoning witnesses, and contempt authority.
Courts cannot issue restraining orders against NCIP regarding its functions.

Special fund created for compensation, delineation, and development, initially funded by PCSO gross income, travel taxes, and other sources.
NCIP manages fund and may receive donations exempt from taxes.

Unauthorized intrusion and other violations punishable under customary laws with penalties excluding cruel or excessive punishments.
Imprisonment from 9 months to 12 years or fines between ₱100k to ₱500k or both.
Liability also extends to corporate officers and public officials with additional penalties including disqualification from public office.

Former Offices for Northern and Southern Cultural Communities merged into NCIP.
Staff restructuring and phase-out of certain positions, with priority reappointment rights for indigenous employees.
Placement Committee established to oversee staff appointments.
Transfer of assets, contracts, and records to NCIP.