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THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC
OF THE PHILIPPINES
FIRST REGULAR SESSION
)
1
1
SENATE
f
S.B. NO.
Introduced by Senator LUI$A “LOI” P. EJERCITO ESTRADA
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The 1987 Constitution has very wisely given the highest priority to
the protection and promotion of the rights of indigenous cultural
communities to ensure their economic, social and cultural well-being.
Thus, in its declaration of principle and state policies, the
Constitution in Article 2 , Section 22, provides that “the State recognizes
and promotes the rights of indigenous cultural communities within the
framework of national unity and development.” In its article on the
national economy and patrimony, the Constitution in Article 12, Section
5 provides that “the State x x x shall protect the rights of indigenous
cultural communities to their ancestral lands” and expressly authorizes
Congress to provide “for the applicability of the customary laws governing
property rights or relations in determining the ownership and extent of
ancestral domain.”
In its provisions on education, science and
technology ? arts, culture, and sports, the Article 14, Section 17 of the^
Constitution provides that “the State shall recognize, respect and protect
the rights of indigenous cultural communities to preserve and develop
their cultures, traditions and institutions” and “shall consider their
rights in the formulation of national plans and policie
In light of the above provisions, it is imperative that the
government should adopt policies and programs for indigenous cultural
communities. But to ensure that these policies and programs are based
on facts and an enlightened judgement, it is necessary to have a
continuing in-depth study of the indigenous cultural communities, who
should also participate in such study. This is the reason for the proposed
creation of a center for studies on indigenous cultural communities.
In view of the foregoing considerations, the approval of this bill is
earnestly requested.
BA
Senator