Politics · Philippines Bureau
Baguio City Charter Changes Won't Strip Indigenous Peoples' Land Rights
Despite potential amendments to Baguio City's charter, legal experts say the city cannot overturn its exemption from the Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act, which protects ancestral lands of Cordilleran communities. The issue has resurfaced as indigenous groups prepare to convene on policy matters affecting their communities.
LSN Philippines ·
BAGUIO CITY — A planned assembly of Baguio's indigenous residents will focus on legislative developments and policies shaping their communities, with city officials characterizing the October gathering as a confederation of indigenous peoples' forum.
The assembly is expected to address pending legislation including a new Cordillera autonomy bill, which has taken on heightened significance given ongoing discussions about potential amendments to Baguio City's charter.
Legal analysts have clarified that any charter modifications cannot nullify the city's exemption from the Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act, a national law that grants specific protections to indigenous communities and their ancestral domains. This exemption, which has been in place for Baguio City, remains binding regardless of local charter revisions.
The gathering reflects growing concern among Baguio's Ibaloy and other indigenous Cordilleran groups about safeguarding their rights and ancestral lands amid ongoing discussions about governance structures in the region.
Indigenous leaders have emphasized the importance of collective deliberation on these matters, particularly as proposed legislation at the national level could reshape resource management and autonomy arrangements in the Cordillera region.