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Republic of the Philippines

Province of Sarangani
PROVINCIAL LEGAL OFFICE
Ground Floor, JLC Building, Capitol Complex, Alabel,
Sarangani Province
E-mail: Sarangani.legaloffice@gmail.com

12 October 2018 LEGAL OPINION NO. 2018-099

To : FREDO PANDIAN-BASINO
Board Member-IPMR
Sarangani Province

FR0M : ATTY. EDWIN E. TORRES


Provincial Legal Office
Sarangani Province

Subject: AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE COMPREHENSIVE INDIGENOUS


PEOPLES WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT CODE OF THE PROVINCE
OF SARANGANI
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Sir:

The State has repeatedly expressed its firm support, respect and recognition of the
valuable contributions of our Indigenous Peoples in nation-building, national unity
and development. For instance, Section 22 of Article II of the 1987 Philippine
Constitution provides that “the State recognizes and promotes the rights of indigenous
cultural communities within the framework of national unity and development.”

Consequently, to further strengthen the enforcement of said constitutional provision,


the legislature enacted the Republic Act No. 8371, otherwise known as the Indigenous
Peoples’ Rights Act of 1997 (IPRA Law). Section 2 of said Act provides that “The State
shall recognize and promote all the rights of Indigenous Cultural
Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs) hereunder enumerated within the
framework of the Constitution.”

The abovementioned Ordinance herein referred to our office is a well-appreciated local


legislation, as it effectively augments the national government’s intensified efforts to
promote total human development and empowerment among the Indigenous People
who are the frequent victims of marginalization and discrimination.

Our office was able to ascertain that said Ordinance is well within the bounds set by
the IPRA Law. Also, it does not contradict any of the provisions of our Constitution. It
is suggested, however, that minor changes which were handwritten on the document
be made and included in congruence with the rules of English grammar.

Hence, our office highly recommends the passage and approval of the aforementioned
Ordinance.

Thank you and SulongSarangani!

Very truly yours,

ATTY. EDWIN E. TORRES


Provincial Legal Officer

"Kilos Abante, Rehiyon Dose.”

File: JOHN

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