judiciously and wisely utilized and managed on a sustainable basis and conserved for the benefit
and enjoyment exclusively of Filipino citizens. ”
Another important feature of this law is the increase in sanctions for commercial fishing
violators (as high as P45 million), and $2.4 million for poachers. According to Oceana Vice
President Gloria Estenzo Ramos, “There are so many available technologies right now that can
help both government and people in monitoring the behavior of fishing vessels. The use of these
devices can show if commercial fishing vessels are operating in the right areas. This can help our
artisanal fishers regain their municipal waters from encroachment by large fishing vessels”
(oceana.org, 2015).
Aggressive fishing and water pollution can lead to a depletion or significant loss of fish and
aquatic resources; thus, regulation is important for their conservation and sustainability. Sec.
107 of RA 10654 provides for the protection against aquatic pollution.
The Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act of 1997 (IPRA Law) - RA 8371
Approved on October 29, 1997, the IPRA Law is an act to recognize, protect and promote the
rights of indigenous cultural communities/indigenous peoples, creating a national commission
on indigenous peoples, establishing implementing mechanisms, appropriating funds therefore,
and for other purposes.
The IPRA Law specifies four bundle of rights of ICCs and IPs. These are:
1. Rights to ancestral domains
These include rights to claim ownership and possession over lands and bodies of water that are
presently occupied by ICCs and IPs and have been traditionally occupied by their ancestors
since time immemorial.
2. Right to self-governance and empowerment
Section 15 states that “The ICCs/IPs shall have the right to use their own commonly accepted
justice systems, conflict resolution institutions, peace building processes or mechanisms and
other customary laws and practices within their respective communities and as may be
compatible with the national legal system and with internationally recognized human
rights.”
3. Social justice and human rights
Section 21 provides that “The State shall ensure that the fundamental human rights and
freedoms as enshrined in the Constitution and relevant international instruments are
guaranteed also to indigenous women.”
4. Cultural Integrity
Rights to cultural integrity include protection of indigenous culture, traditions and institutions; as
well as, rights to religious, cultural sites and ceremonies.
The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) was established as a result of this act
and is assigned to be the government agency that is responsible for the formulation and
implementation of policies, plans and programs to recognize, protect and promote the rights of
ICCs and IPs.
Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004 – RA 9262
RA 9262 puts value in the dignity of women and children and guarantees full respect for human
rights. It recognizes the need to protect the family and its members, particularly women and
children, from violence and threats to their personal safety and security.
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