Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House BIL No. _2040

Introduced by HON. JOY MYRA S. TAMBUNTING

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The fact of on-going armed conflicts in our nation has marred not only the
peace and order in our nation but as well as the security of people to a peaceful abode
including their enjoyment of rights and freedom. The current armed conflict in certain parts
of the country between rebel and government armed forces have displaced thousands of
families from their homes due to forced evacuation or in their flight to safer grounds. As
‘such, it is a pressing concern that their rights and freedom are protected and ensured under
our laws as well as international laws. In particular, the non-combatants should be ensured
of their rights such that the presence of armed conflicts should not be a cause for
discrimination in the equal enjoyment of rights and freedom.

Thus, this house bill is filed in our adherence and commitment to the principles
of the 1937 Constitution including the standards set by international humanitarian law and
human rights law. Our commitment includes the nation’s policy in protecting internally
displaced families who are in situations of armed conflicts, generalized violence, tribal/clan
wars, violations of human rights, aggressive implementation of development projects, as
well as displacement of affected families due to natural and man-made disasters.

This measure seeks to provide protection of rights of internally displaced person
during and after displacement as well as their resettlement, relocation and reintegration. It
also covers arbitrary displacement of civilians as a result of or in order to avoid the effects
of armed conflicts, generalized violence, violations of human rights, aggressive
implementation of development projects as well as natural and man-made disasters in
relation to RA 10121 or the Philippines’ Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of
2010.

Further, the measure provides for the prohibited acts of arbitrary internal
displacement, the protection of the individuals from arbitrary internal displacement except
in situations inevitable but should be complaint with the guarantees provided therein such
as full disclosure on the reasons and procedures of displacement. To complete the measure
in protecting the rights of the internally displaced persons, it provides for their rights during
and after displacement. This is pursuant to the provisions of the Bill of Rights that they shall


not be subjected to any kind of discrimination especially in cases of armed conflicts
purportedly anchored on political and religious beliefs.

To fully satisfy the rights of the internally displaced persons, they are afforded
the rights to provision and access to basic necessities, protection against criminal offenses
and unlawful acts and most importantly, the freedom of movement.

Lastly, the measure provides for mechanism for international humanitarian
assistance including their local counterparts by assuring them the right to offer their services
without considering their action as interference in local affairs. However, their action shall
still be subject to our laws particularly in importation and donations of food, clothing,
medicine and equipment.

‘Thus, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No, _1040

Introduced by HON. JOY MYRA S. TAMBUNTING

AN ACT
PROTECTING THE RIGHTS OF INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS, PROVIDING
PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS THEROF AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This act shall be known as the “Rights of Internally
Displaced Persons Act of 2019.”

SECTION 2. Dec/aration of Principles and State Policies. — Consistent with the
principles enshrined in the 1987 Constitution, the standard set by international humanitarian
law and human rights laws, international treaties and conventions adhered to by the
Philippines, it is also hereby declared a State policy to promote and protect the rights of
internally displaced persons in situation of armed conflict, generalized violence, tribal/clan
wars, violations of human rights, aggressive implementation of development projects,
natural and man-made disasters.

When armed conflicts of a non-international character is inevitable, the State shall
ensure the promotion and protection of the rights of the citizens who are non-combatants
and who shall enjoy in full equality, the same rights and freedom under international and
domestic law as do other persons in the country. These citizens shall not be discriminated
against in the enjoyment of any rights and freedoms on the ground that they are internally
displaced.

SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. — The following terms, as a defined accordingly,
shall be used in this Act:

(a) Internal displacement refers to the involuntary movement or forced evacuation
or expulsion of any person or group who flee or leave their homes or places of
habitual residence, without crossing an internationally recognized State border, as a
result of or in order to avoid the effect of armed conflict, situations of generalized
violence, violations of human rights, land conversion and any other land conflicts,
aggressive implementation of development projects, natural and man-made
disasters.


(b) Arbitrary internal displacement refers to acts of displacement or any other
coercive act committed by any person or group/s of person and directed against the
civilian population, which are contrary to law, good morals, public order or public
policy, or committed with abuse of authority, oppressive or wanton disregard of the
right to life, liberty or property and abode of the residents of an area in which they
are lawfully present and characterized by those situations as defined in Section 6 of
this Act.

(©) Internally displaced person, hereinafter described as an IDP, refers to any
individuals who has suffered harm as a direct result of internal displacement, whether
arbitrary or not, as defined herein.

(d) Order of Battle/Watchiist refers to any document or determination made by the
military, police or any law enforcement agency of the government, listing the names
of persons and organizations that it perceives to be enemies of the State and that it
considers as legitimate targets as combatants that it could deal with, through the
use of means allowed by domestic and international law.

(e) Apartheid refers to inhumane acts committed in the context of an
institutionalizing regime of systematic oppression and domination by one racial group
or groups and committed with the intention of maintaining that regime.

(f) Ethnic cleansing refers to the act of rendering an area ethnically homogenous by
using force or intimidation to remove from a given area persons of another ethnic or
religious group.

(9) 7ribal/Clan War refers to any conflict that may arise between members of
different tribal groups, indigenous groups or clans, or between and among members
of the same tribe, indigenous group or clan.

SECTION 4, Scope. — This Act shall primarily provide for the protection of rights of
IDPs during and after displacement, as well as their resettlement, relocation and
reintegration. This Act shall likewise cover arbitrary internal displacement of civilians as a
result of or in order to avoid the effects of armed conflict, situation of generalized violence,
violations of human rights, aggressive implementation of development projects, natural and
man-made disasters. In case of natural disasters, due reference shall be made to the
pertinent provisions of Republic Act 10121, otherwise known as the Philippine Disaster Risk
Reduction and Management Act of 2010, regarding the early warning measures and durable
solutions in relation to internal displacement as a result of natural disasters.

SECTION 5. Prevention of Arbitrary Internal Displacement. — State
authorities, including local government units (LGUs) and parties to an armed conflict,
irrespective of their legal status and applied without any adverse distinction, shall respect
and ensure compliance with their obligations under international law, including human
rights law and humanitarian law, so as to prevent and avoid conditions that might lead to
arbitrary internal displacement of persons.

SECTION 6. Prohibited Acts of Arbitrary Internal Displacement. — The
prohibited acts of arbitrary internal displacement shall include, but are not limited to, those
committed;


(a) based on policies of apartheid “ethnic cleansing” or similar practices aimed at or
resulting in altering the ethnic, religious or racial composition of the affected
population;

(b) in situation of armed conflict, unless the security of civilians is involved;

(c) in cases of large-scale development projects, including land conversion and any
other conflict which are not justified by compelling and overriding public interest;

(d) in cases of natural and man-made disasters, unless the safety and health of those
affected require their evacuation;

(e) when used as a form of collective punishment;

(f) in cases of tribal/clan wars, unless the security of those civilians not involved in
the conflicts is endangered; and

(g) in violation of the rights of IDPs during displacement under Section 9 of this Act.

An Order of Battle/Watchlist issued by the military or any law enforcement agency
of the government shall not justify arbitrary displacement and shall subject the perpetrators
to the penalties provided under Section 13 of this Act.

SECTION 7. Protection from Arbitrary Internal Displacement. - All
authorities, including the LGUs concerned, groups and persons, irrespective of their legal
status and applied without any adverse distinction, shall protect its citizens against being
arbitrarily displaced from their homes or places of habitual residence.

Displacement shall not be carried out in a manner that violates the rights to life,
liberty, dignity and security of those affected.

In addition, the following safeguards against arbitrary internal displacement shall be
observed by all concerned authorities, groups and persons:

(a) All feasible alternatives shall be explored in order to avoid displacement. Where
no alternatives exist, all measures shall be undertaken to minimize displacement
and its adverse effects on the population that will be affected:

(b) If displacement is inevitable, the authorities shall ensure, to the greatest
practicable extent, that proper accommodation is effected in satisfactory
conditions of safety, nutrition, water and sanitation, health and hygiene, and that
members of the same family, especially women and children, are not separated;

(©) Indigenous peoples, minorities, peasants, pastoralists and other groups with
special dependency on and attachment to their lands shall be protected from
arbitrary internal displacement, in accordance with Republic Act No. 8371,
otherwise known as the Indigenous People’s Right Act of 1997; and
(d) In situations other than during the emergency stages of armed conflicts and
disasters, the following guarantees shall be complied with:

(1) a specific decision shall be taken by the authority empowered by law to
order such measures:

(2) full disclosure of information on the reasons and procedures for the
displacement and when applicable, also on compensation and relocation;

(3) free and informed consent of those persons to be displaced shall be
sought;


(4) authorities concerned shall endeavor to involve those affected, particularly
women, in the planning and management of their relocation, resettlement
and reintegration:

(5) law enforcement measures, when required, shall be carried out by
competent legal authorities; and

(6) the right to an effective remedy, including the review of such decisions by
appropriate judicial authorities, shall be respected.

SECTION 8. Permanent Prohibition Against Arbitrary Internal
Displacement. ~The prohibition on arbitrary internal displacement and the fundamental
safeguards for its prevention shall not be suspended under any circumstances, including
political instability, threat of war state or other public emergencies.

SECTION 9. Rights During and After Displacement. — Pursuant to the
provisions of the Bill of Rights under Article [II of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, the
following rights shall be afforded to IDPs during and after their displacement, without
discrimination of any kind, such as those based on race, color, sex, language, religion or
belief, political or other opinion, national, ethnic or social origin, legal or social status, age,
disability, property, birth or on any other similar criteria:

(a) Provision and Access to Basic Necessities — At the minimum, regardless of the

circumstances, and without discrimination, competent authorities shall provide

IDPs with and ensure safe access to:

(1) essential and adequate food and nutrition and potable water;

(2) basic shelter and housing;

(3) appropriate clothing; and

(4) essential medical and dental services and sanitation, including psychological

and social services and essential drugs and medicine;

(b) Protection Against Criminal Offenses and Other Unlawful Act.-

(1)It shall be prohibited to commit any of the following acts of the following acts
against IDPs in all circumstances:

(i) Murder;

(ii) Hostage —taking;

(iii) Summary or arbitrary execution and enforced disappearance, including
abduction or acknowledged detention, threatening or resulting in death;
and

(iv) Unlawful confinement;

(2) Attacks or other acts of violence against IDPs who do not or no longer
participate in hostilities shall be prohibited in all circumstances, without
prejudice to being held liable for any offense committed by them. In particular,
IDPs shall be protected against:

(i) direct or indiscriminate attacks or other acts of violence, including the
creation of areas wherein attacks on civilians are permitted;

(ii) starvation as a method of combat;

(ili) their being used to shield military objectives from attack, or to shield,
favor or impede the operations of the military, police or any armed group;

(iv) attack against any evacuation center, facility, encampment or other

settlement; and

(v) use of anti-personnel landmines;


(3) IDPs, whether or not their liberty has been restricted, shall be protected in
particular against:

(i) rape, mutilation, torture, cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment or
punishment and other outrages upon personal dignity such as acts of
gender-specific violence, forced prostitution and any form of indecent
assault;

(ii) slavery or any contemporary form of slavery, such as sale into marriage,
sexual exploitation or forced labor of children; and

(iii) acts of violence intended to spread terror among IDPs.

Threats and incitement to commit any of the forgoing acts under paragraph
(b), subsections 1 and 3 herein shall prohibited;

(4) IDPs shall not be interned in or confined in any evacuation center, facility,
encampment or other settlement. If in exceptional circumstances such
internment or confinement is necessary, it shall not last longer than what is
required by the circumstances, as may be determined by the Commission on
Human Rights (CHR); and

(5) IDPs shall be protected against discriminatory practices of recruitment into
the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), law enforcement agencies or any
armed group as a result of their displacement. In particular, any cruel,
inhumane or degrading practice that compel compliance or punish
noncompliance with recruitment shall be prohibited in all circumstances;

(c) Freedom of Movement - (1) Every IDP has the right to liberty of movement and
freedom to choose a residence. In particular, the IDP has the right to move freely
in and out of any evacuation center, encampment or other settlement, subject to
its existing rules and regulations;

(2) IDPs, whether or not they living in an evacuation center, encampment or other
settlement, shall not be discriminated against in the enjoyment of the
following rights:

(i) to enjoy freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief, opinion and
expression;

(ii) to seek freely opportunities for employment and to participate in economic
activities

(ili) to associate freely and participate equally in community affairs;

(iv) to vote and participate in governmental and public affairs, including the
tight to have access to the means necessary to exercise these rights; and

(v) to communicate in a language they understand;

(3) IDPs have the right to:

(i) seek safety in another part of the country;

(ii) leave the country;

(ili) seek asylum in another country; and

(iv) be protected against forcible return to resettlement in any place where
their lives, safety, liberty, and/ or health would be risk;

(d) Recognition, Issuance and Replacement of Document -The authorities concerned
shall issue to the IDPs all document necessary for the enjoyment and exercise of
their legal rights. In particular, these authorities shall facilitate the issuance of
new documents or the replacement of documents lost in the course of
displacement, without imposing unreasonable conditions and without


discrimination against men and women, who shall have equal rights to obtain and
to be issued the same in their own name;

(e) Family Unity and Missing Persons - (1) Members of internally displaced families
who wish to remain together shall be allowed to do so. Families that are separated
by displacement and whose personal liberty have been restricted by internment
or confinement in any evacuation center, facility, encampment or other
settlements should be reunited immediately, with appropriate measures taken to
expedite the reunion, particularly when children are involved;

(2)The State shall encourage cooperation among international and local
humanitarian organizations engaged in the task of family reunification;

(3)The authorities concerned shall endeavor to establish the fate and
whereabouts of IDPs reported missing and cooperate with relevant international
organizations engaged in this task. They shall inform the next-of-kin on the
progress of the investigation and notify them of any results.

(4) The authorities concerned shall endeavor to collect and identify the mortal
remains to the next-of-kin or dispose of them respectfully; and

(5) Grave sites of IDPs shall be protected and respected in all circumstances and
shall have the right of access to the grave sites of their deceased relatives;

(f) Health and Education — (1) Certain IDPs, such as children, especially
unaccompanied, minors, expectant mothers, mothers with young children,
female heads of households, persons with disabilities and elderly persons, shall
be entitled to protection and assistance required by their condition and to
treatment which takes into account their special needs;

(2) All wounded and sick IDPs, as well as those with disabilities, shall receive to
the fullest extent practicable and with the least possible delay the medical care
and attention they require, without distinction on any ground other than the
medical ones. When necessary, IDPs shall have access to psychological and social
services;

(3) Special attention shall be paid to the health needs of women, including access
to female health care, providers and services, as well as appropriate counseling
for victims of sexual and other abuses;

(4) Special attention shall also be given to the prevention of contagious and
infectious diseases, including AIDS, among IDPs; and

(5) The authorities concerned shall ensure that IDPs, in particular, displaced
children, receive education that shall be free and compulsory at the primary level.
Special efforts shall be made to ensure the full and equal participation of women
and girls in educational programs, and that respect for their cultural identity,
language and religion, educational and training facilities shall be made available
to them as soon as circumstances permits; and

(g) Property and Possessions - The property and possessions of IDPs shall, in all
circumstances, be protected against the following acts:

(1) pillage;

(2) direct and indiscriminate attacks or other acts of violence;

(3) being used to shield military operations or objective;

(4) being made the objects of reprisal;

(5) being destroyed or appropriated as a form of collective punishment; and

(6) destruction, arbitrary and illegal appropriation, occupation or use. The rights
and obligations herein shall not be interpreted as restricting, modifying or


impairing the provisions of an international human rights or international
humanitarian law or rights granted to persons under domestic law.

SECTION 10. Assistance during Displacement of IDPs. - The primary duty
and responsibility for providing humanitarian assistance to IDPs lie with national authorities,
in close collaboration with the LGUs exercising territorial jurisdiction over the affected
area/s. As such, the military and law enforcement agencies conducting operations , the
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Department of Health (DOH),
the local government hospitals, the LGUs concerned and other appropriate government
agencies shall provide immediate relief and humanitarian assistance to IDPs, families and
communities,

Humanitarian assistance to IDPs shall not be diverted for any political or military
reasons. All authorities concerned shall grant and facilities the free passage of humanitarian
assistance to the internally displace and ensure rapid, safe and unimpeded access of
persons engaged in giving such assistance, their transport and supplies to the displaced
communities. They shall not be the objects of attacks or other acts of violence.

All concerned authorities shall assist the IDPs in the recovery of their property and
possessions, and shall provide or assist these persons in obtaining appropriate
compensation or other forms of just reparation.

SECTION 11. Return, Resettlement and Reintegration. - Competent
authorities, such as the military and law enforcement agencies conducting operations, the
DSWD, the DOH, the local government hospitals, the LGUs concerned and other appropriate
government agencies shall have the primary duty and responsibility to establish conditions
and provide means for IDPs to return voluntarily, in safety and with dignity, to their homes
or places of habitual residence, or to resettle voluntarily.

Said authorities shall likewise ensure the full participation of IDPs in the planning and
management of their return, resettlement and reintegration.

SECTION 12. Mechanism for International Humanitarian Assistance. —
International humanitarian organizations, their local counterparts and other appropriate
actors shall have the right to offer their services in support of the internally displaced. These
acts shall be considered in good faith and not as unfriendly acts or interference in the
internal affairs of the government. Consent thereto shall not be arbitrarily withheld,
particularly when authorities concerned are unable or unwilling to provide the required
humanitarian assistance.

When providing assistance to IDPs, said organizations shall respect relevant domestic
laws, international standards and codes of conduct. They shall give due regard to the
protection of the needs and human rights of the IDPs.

The important and donation of food, clothing, medicine and equipment necessary for
relief and assistance of IDPs are hereby authorized in accordance with Section 105 of the
Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines, as amended, and the prevailing provisions of


the General Appropriations Act (GAA) as regards national internal revenue taxes and import
duties of national and local government agencies.

SECTION 13. Penalties. — (a) The penalty of reclusion temporal in its minimum to

medium period shall be imposed upon the following persons:

(1) Those who directly commit the act of arbitrary internal displacement;

(2) Those who directly force, instigate, encourage, induce or incite others to
commit the act of arbitrary internal displacement;

(3) Those who cooperate in the act of arbitrary internal displacement would not
have been carried out;

(4) Those commanding officers as well as all elements of the military police and/or
other law enforcement agencies, who actually and/or directly participate in
the act of arbitrary internal displacement;

(5) Those who cooperated in the execution of the act of arbitrary internal
displacement by previous or simultaneous acts; and

(6) Those commanding officers of the military, police or other law enforcement
agencies or other authorities, for acts of arbitrary internal displacement
committed by forces under their effective command and control or effective
authority and control as the case may be, as result of their failure to exercise
proper control over such forces, where the commanding officers or authorities
knew or, owing to the circumstances at the time, should have known that the
forces were committing or about to commit such crimes, and failed to take all
necessary and reasonable means within their power to prevent or repress
their commission, or to submit the matter to competent authorities for
investigation and prosecution.

(b) The penalty of prision mayorin its minimum period shall be imposed upon those
who attempt to commit the offense of arbitrary internal displacement.

(c) The penalty of prision mayorin its minimum period shall be imposed upon persons
who, having knowledge of the act of arbitrary internal displacement and without
having participated therein, either as principals or accomplices, took part
subsequent to its commission by any of the following acts:

(1) By themselves profiting from or assisting the offender to profit from the
effects of the act of arbitrary internal displacement;

(2) By concealing the act of arbitrary internal displacement and/or destroying the
effects or instrument thereof, in order to prevent its discovery; and

(3) By harboring, concealing or assisting in the escape of the principal/s in the act
of arbitrary internal displacement: Provided, that the accessory acts are done
with the abuse of the official's public functions.

(d) The courts shall impose the corresponding accessory penalties under the Revised
Penal Code, especially where the offender is a public officer.

SECTION 14. Applicability of the Revised Penal Code and Special Penal
Laws. ~The provisions of the Revised Penal Code and other relevant special penal laws,
insofar as they are applicable, shall be suppletory to this Act.

SECTION 15. Jurisdiction of the Courts. - The proper and competent civilian
courts shall have jurisdiction over the offense of arbitrary internal displacement as defined
and penalized in this Act.


SECTION 16. Financial Assistance to IDPs — When the operations conducted by
the military, police and other law enforcement agencies cause damage to IDPs, the
necessary financial assistance for their return, resettlement or re-integration shall be
provided.

SECTION 17. Compensation, — The CHR shall determine the damages inflicted
against IDPs and direct the parties and agencies responsible for arbitrary internal
displacement to award monetary compensation under the following circumstances;
(a) Where death of an individual victim the amount of Fifty Thousand Pesos
(P50,000.00) shall be granted to the legal heirs of the victim as a death benefit;

(b) Where physical, emotional and/or psychological injury is caused to an individual
victim, actual and compensatory damages, including moral, nominal, exemplary
and temperate damages resulting from such injury, shall be paid to the victim;
and

(c) Where loss of or damage to property of an individual victim occurs, the amount

Corresponding to the fair market value of the property lost or destroyed or the
amount mutually agreed upon by the parties involved, whichever is higher, shall
be paid to the victim.

SECTION 18. Role of the CHR, —The CHR shall be designated as the institutional
focal point for IDP’s. As such, the CHR shall have the following additional functions:

(a) To monitor IDP conditions to ensure that their rights are respected and
protected in all phases of interna! displacement;

(b) To conduct public inquiries, document violations of human rights, assist IDPs
in seeking redress of grievances and work to ensure an effective response by
the concerned authorities;

(c) To investigate, on its own or on complaint by any party, all forms of human
rights violation against IDPs involving against IDPs involving civil and political
rights, in accordance with Section 18 (1) of Article XIII of the 1987
Constitution, and when found in the investigation that the filing of the case in
court is warranted ,request the assistance of any department, bureau, office
or agency , such as the National Prosecution Service of the Department of
Justice or the Ombudsman, by virtue of Executive Order No. 163,Series of
1987;

(d) To determine the damages incurred against IDPs and facilitate award of
compensation for such victims by directing the parties and agencies
responsible for the violations to grant the same;

(e) To cite any person in contempt for violations of the orders issued by them in
accordance with the Rules of Court;

(f) To follow up on early warning and ensure effective measures to protect the
civilian populations against arbitrary internal displacement;

(g) To advise the government on the rights of IDPs, formulate sound national
Policy and legislation and to facilitate discussions to effectively address
situations of internal displacements;

(h) To undertake educational activities and training programs for State
authorities, including the AFP;


(i) To hold public information drives on the protection and rights of IDPs, and
foster IDP participation in the decision-making process regarding issues that
concern them; and

() To carry out such other acts that may be necessary to fully implement the
Purposes of this Act.

SECTION 19. Joint Congressional Oversight Committee. - A Joint
Congressional Oversight Committee is hereby created, composed of the Chairman of the
Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights and seven (7) other Senators designated
by the Senate Presidents, and the Chairman of the House Committee on Human Rights and
seven (7) other Members of the House of Representatives, designated by the Speaker of
the House of Representatives: Provided, That, of the seven (7) Members to be clesignated
by each House of Congress, four (4) shall represent the Majority and three (3) from the
Minority.

The joint Congressional Oversight Committee shall also have the power to inquire
into, summon and investigate the Orders of Battle as defined this Act, as well as the legal
and factual justifications for the inclusion of specific persons and groups in said Orders of
Battle. In this regard, the Joint Congressional Oversight Committee may issue mandatory
process directing the transmission of all such documents relevant and necessary for the
Committee to determine the validity of the inclusion of specific persons or groups in the
Order of Battle. For this purpose, the highest ranking officers or heads of offices shall be
charged with testifying before the Joint Congressional Oversight Committee in relation to
any inquiries on the Order of Battle.

The invocation of national security as a defense may not prevent the Joint
Congressional Oversight Committee from inquiring into the factual and/or legal bases for
the existence of an Order of Battle. Should there be a need to inquire into the factual basis
for the invocation of national security, the Committee shall convene in an executive session
and hear the officials invoking it. Should the basis not be satisfactory to the Committee, the
public hearing/s will continue and appropriate recommendations shall thereafter be made
by the Committee.

SECTION 20. Monitoring of Compliance with this Act. — An inter-agency
coordinating committee shall be tasked to periodically monitor the compliance of this Act.
The committee shall be headed by the Chairperson of the CHR. Members of this group shall
be composed of:
(a)A representative, with the rank of Undersecretary, from the Department of
National Defense;

(b)A representative, with the rank of Undersecretary, from the Department of
National Defense;

(c)A representative, with the rank of Undersecretary, from the Department of the
Interior and Local Government;

(d)A representative from the Office of Civil Defense / National Disaster Risk
Reduction and Management Coordinating Council;

(e) A representative of human rights non-government organization (NGOs) and other
human rights groups, nominated by a selection board composed of human rights
groups and non-governmental organizations (NGOs);


(f) The Chaitperson of the Committee on Justice and Human Rights of the Senate;

and
(g) The Chairperson of the Committee on Justice and Human Rights of the House of
Representatives.

The Committee shall work towards the collection of data on the number and condition
of the IDPs, leading to a registry that will aid the government in efficient planning and policy
making regarding issues affecting IDPs.

The Committee shall likewise prioritize the releasing of immediate financial
assistance, allotted by its component agencies, to those affected by arbitrary internal
displacement.

The Committee shall submit an annual report to the Joint Congressional Oversight
Committee herein created, thirty (30) days after the end of each fiscal year. Such annual
report shall be the basis for proposed amendments to existing legislation to improve the
conditions of internally displaced persons.

SECTION 21. Appropriations. — The amount necessary for the initial
implementation of this Act shall be charges against the current year’s appropriation of the
CHR, the DSWD, the Department of National Defense (DND) and the Department of the
Interior and Local Government (DILG). Thereafter, the sums as may be necessary for the
Continued implementation of this Act shall be included in the General Appropriations Act.

SECTION 22. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — The CHR shall issue the
necessary rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this Act within sixty (60)
days from its effectivity.

In the formulation of the rules and regulations, the CHR shall take the lead and
coordinate with DSWD, DND, DILG, Department of Environment and Natural Resources
(DENR), DOH, National Commission for Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), Presidential
Commission on Urban Poor (PCUP), Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council
(HUDCC), National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Coordinating Council
(NDRRMCC), National Housing Authority (NHA) and consult with the LGUs concerned,
human rights non-governmental organizations and peoples organizations.

SECTION 23. Repealing Clause. — All laws, decrees, executive orders,
memorandum orders, memorandum circulars, administrative orders, ordinances or parts
thereof which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby deemed repealed
or modified accordingly.

SECTION 24. Separability Clause. — If any part or provision of this Act shall be
declared unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions hereof which are not affected
thereby shall remain in full force and effect.

SECTION 25. Fffectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days upon its
publication in the Official Gazette or at least two (2) newspapers of national circulation.

Approved,