2 REPRE,
Republic of the Philippines (> RECEIVED
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES fz op SEP_3,021
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. Cee

Introduced by Hon. John Marvin “Yul Servo” C. Nieto

Explanatory Note

As a manifestation of support to this culturally-sensitive and timely piece of
legislation, this representation respectfully re-files this bill, which has constantly
been receiving support from the past and present congress, as filed by various
representatives.

Republic Act 8371, otherwise known as the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act of
1997 (IPRA) was a landmark legislation intended to address the concerns of the
Cultural Communities and Indigenous Peoples throughout the country. Under
Section 64 of the said legislation, the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples
(NCIP) is mandated to take appropriate actions to recover legal domains which were
illegally acquired.

However, due to the misgivings of the NCIP and the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in formulating a specific Implementing
Rules and Regulations (IRR) to achieve the goals identified under Section 64 of RA
8371, the option to recover legal domains which were illegally acquired was not
provided to the indigenous peoples. Moreover, the 20-year period to exercise this
option expires this year.

Moreover, the NCIP was given two (2) years to perform such function as
provided for under Section 64 but the prescribed period already expired on 22
November 1999.

This bill seeks to remedy this unfortunate situation and to finally give our
indigenous brother and sisters the opportunity to own the land they till and acquire
a better chance to improve their lot. Aside from empowering them, this would also
allow them to seek financial and technical assistance to improve their production.

Hence, it is hereby proposed that the NCIP be granted a new twenty (20) year
period to perform the same task as provided under Sec. 64 of the Indigenous
Peoples’ Rights Act of 1997.

In view of the foregoing considerations, immediate approval of this measure
is sought.



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS.
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 4904

Introduced by Hon. John Marvin “Yul Servo” C. Nieto

AN ACT
EXTENDING THE PERIOD FOR INDIGENOUS CULTURAL COMMUNITIES/
INDIGENOUS PEOPLES TO EXERCISE THE OPTION TO SECURE TITLE TO
THEIR ANCESTRAL LANDS UNDER LAND REGISTRATION ACT 496,
AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE SECTION 12 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8371,
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS “THE INDIGENOUS PEOPLE RIGHTS ACT OF 1997”

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

Section 1. The option to secure a Certificate of Title under Commonwealth
Act No. 141, otherwise known as the Land Registration Act 496, as amended, as
provided for under Section 12 of Republic Act No. 8371, otherwise known as the
Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act, is hereby extended for another twenty (20) years
effective upon the expiration of the first period.

Section 2. The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) is hereby
granted a new five (5) year period within which to take appropriate legal action for
the cancellation of officially documented titles which were acquired illegally, as
provided for under Section 64 of Republic Act No. 8371.

Section 3. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in
any newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,