POLICY RESEARCH
Securing Indigenous Peoples’ Rights
June 2020
“Securing Indigenous Peoples' Rights” analyzes how the Philippine government deploys the concept of human security that can have great impact to the Indigenous peoples. Instead of securing the welfare of communities, it has made them more susceptible to economic, social, and physical insecurities.
Indigenous People’s Rights and Charter Change: Possibilities and Uncertainties
2018
“Indigenous People’s Rights and Charter Change: Possibilities and Uncertainties” opens up the discussion on the implications of charter change to Indigenous peoples rights in the Philippines. It explores a number of questions: Are their concerns adequately considered? How can indigenous peoples prepare for such scenarios? What are the possibilities and uncertainties the communities will be facing in this political landscape?
A Comparative Analysis of the Indigenous Communities Conserved Areas (ICCA) Bill and Philippine Environmental Laws
2018
Indigenous communities conserved areas (ICCA) have rich in biodiversity due to the conservation practices of the Indigenous peoples and local communities. “A Comparative Analysis of the Indigenous Communities Conserved Areas (ICCA) Bill and Philippine Environmental Laws” studies the proposed ICCA bill filed in the House of Representatives as it relates to existing Philippine environmental laws. This paper hopes to contribute to the development of the ICCA as an emerging paradigm in upholding the rights of the Indigenous peoples and poor upland rural communities.
Full Inclusion of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in the Proposed Bangsamoro
Basic Law
2014
The Teduray, Lambangian, Dulangan Manobo and Erumanen ne Menuvu have deep respect for the struggle of the Bangsamoro for their rights to self-determination due to shared historical struggle against colonization. However, the proposed autonomous law might push aside the rights of the Indigenous peoples. “Full Inclusion of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in the Proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law” reviews the proposed autonomous law and asserts the rights of the Indigenous people in the proposed region.
Compilation of Jurisprudence, International Experiences and Policies on the Recognition of Indigenous Peoples Ownership of Territories and Natural Resources
2013
Indigenous peoples and local communities have used various mechanisms and strategies to assert their rights to their ancestral territories amid the intensifying global need for natural resources. “Compilation of Jurisprudence, International Experiences and Policies on the Recognition of Indigenous Peoples Ownership of Territories and Natural Resources” presents a number of these available mechanisms and remedies and the legal contexts in which they operate.
Looking Behind Counter-Terrorism Measures, Are they for the Protection
or for the Persecution of People?
2005
The Philippines had its fair share of events characterized as terrorist attacks. To address these dangers, the administration of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has implemented measures to fight terrorism which can be seen as curtailment of constitutionally protected rights. “Looking Behind Counter-Terrorism Measures, Are they for the Protection or for the Persecution of People?” scrutinizes the Anti-Terrorism Bills, namely, Senate Bill No. 2540 and House Bill No. 5923, submitted by Congress.
HSA of 2007: A Clear and Present Danger on Human Security
2007
The Human Security Act of 2007 fails to protect people from real acts of terrorism as it enforces a state-led terrorism. “HSA of 2007: A Clear and Present Danger on Human Security” traces various ways and means to which the law can block with legitimate assistance to marginalized communities in the Philippines.
Using the International Human Rights Framework to Empower Indigenous Communities in the Philippines
2007
Since the onset of colonialism and the modern nation-state, Indigenous peoples have been among the most vulnerable and exploited in the world. “Using the International Human Rights Framework to Empower Indigenous Communities in the Philippines” examines whether communities and civil society organizations can access certain international human rights mechanisms to realizing Indigenous peoples’ fundamental rights.
Charter Change: Different Strokes for Different Filipinos
2003
Since 1980s, the parlance of Charter Change (Cha-Cha) has been at the forefront of discussions among different sectors of Filipino society. It has also taken on different faces in the past political regimes. “Charter Change: Different Strokes for Different Filipinos” reviews the implications of Cha-Cha and why constitutional changes are not recommended under the administration of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
Anti-Terrorism Bills: Silencing Community Voices
2003
The administration Gloria Macapagal Arroyo passed Anti-Terrorism bills as a response to the ‘terrorist attacks’ that have caused fear among civilians. “Anti-Terrorism Bills: Silencing Community Voices” will, however, argue that these bills will only curtail the constitutionally protected rights of the Filipino people.