NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
•22 JUL 12 All :°1
Introduced by Senator Maria Lourdes Nancy S. Binay
AN ACT PROVIDING FOR INCENTIVES TO MEMBERS OF THE LEGAL 
PROFESSION ENGAGED IN THE DEFENSE OF THE RIGHTS OF 
INDIGENT INDIGENOUS PEOPLES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Republic Act 8371 or the Indigenous Peoples Rights of Act of 1997 C'lPRA'O 
has been hailed as a landmark and even sometimes, a "revolutionary legislation" after 
this law clarified the rights of our brethren who are part of the indigenous peoples 
CTPs//) or Indigenous cultural communities C'ICCs).
To ensure Its effective implementation, the law provided for the creation of a 
highly specialized agency called the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples 
C'NCIP'O. It has come to our attention however that the lack of lawyers advising 
ICCs/IPs on their rights and privileges under the IPRA has continuously exposed said 
ICCs/IPs to the dangers, which the IPRA sought to prevent.
Considering the inherent limitations on NCIP's resources and ability to properly 
advise ICCs/IPs, there is a need for corrective legislation to address this deficit in the 
law.
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
MARIA LOURDES^NCY S. BINAY


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session 
)
72 JUL 12 All *01
SENATE
Introduced by Senator Maria Lourdes Nancy S. Binay
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AN ACT PROVIDING FOR INCENTIVES TO MEMBERS OF THE LEGAL 
PROFESSION ENGAGED IN THE DEFENSE OF THE RIGHTS OF 
INDIGENT INDIGENOUS PEOPLES
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Phiiippines in 
Congress assembied:
SECTION 1. Section 78-A is hereby inserted into Republic Act No. 8371 or The 
Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act of 1997:
"SECTION 17-A. PRO BONO LEGAL SERVICES FOR INDIGENT 
ICCS/IPS. - THE NCIP IS HEREBY EMPOWERED TO APPOINT 
COUNSELS DE OFICIO FOR INDIGENT ICCS/IPS WITH PENDING 
CASES BEFORE IT. APPOINTED COUNSELS DE OFICIO SHALL BE 
ENTITLED TO TAX FREE HONORARIA OR PER DIEMS AS THE NCIP 
MAY PROVIDE UNDER ITS RULES.
ANY MEMBER OF THE PHILIPPINE BAR WHO HAS RENDERED 
FREE LEGAL SERVICES TO INDIGENT ICCS OF AT LEAST ONE 
HUNDRED (100) HOURS WITHIN ONE YEAR SHALL BE ENTITLED 
TO DIRECT DEDUCTION FROM HIS INCOME TAX DUE IN THE 
AMOUNT OF ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS (P100,000.00). 
FOR THE AVOIDANCE OF DOUBT, THIS PROVISION SHALL APPLY 
TO LAWYERS RENDERING DIRECT LEGAL SERVICES TO THE 
ICCS/IPS OR LEGAL SERVICES RENDERED OUTSIDE OF THE NCIP 
SUCH AS BUT NOT LIMITED TO LEGAL ADVICE ON CONTRACTS, 
OR PROVIDING LEGAL ADVICE.
THE BUREAU OF INTERNAL REVENUE IN CONSULTATION WITH 
THE INTEGRATED BAR OF THE PHILIPPINES SHALL FORMULATE 
THE APPROPRIATE RULES AND REGULATIONS TO ENSURE THAT 
THE OBJECTIVE UNDER PARAGRAPH 2 OF THIS SECTION IS FULLY 
IMPLEMENTED. THE RCIP SHALL FORMULATE THE DEFINITION 
OF "INDIGENT ICCS/IPS," AND IS HEREBY AUTHORIZED TO


ADJUST IT FROM 
STANDARDS."
TIME TO TIME BASED ON REASONABLE
SEC. 2. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, 
rules and regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with provisions of this Act are 
hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.
SEC. 3. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
Approved,