City Council mulls stand on House Bill 621

The 21st City Council will be inviting key government agencies and stakeholders to provide inputs and insights on House Bill 621 before adopting a resolution opposing the measure.

In a special report, Councilor Roberto Cabaring said the proposed bill seeks to transfer the registration and management of ancestral lands from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Cabaring noted that indigenous leaders in the country have strongly opposed the measure, warning it could weaken indigenous rights and erode protections under the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA).

He called for a consultative meeting with representatives from the NCIP, non-government organizations, the Office of Cultural Affairs, and the Department of Justice.

Cabaring also requested that the representatives of the two congressional districts of the city be invited to know their stand on the matter. (FDC/SP)