MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday issued Executive Order (EO) 71, transferring back the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples’ (NCIP) attachment to the Office of the President (OP).
The NCIP, created by virtue of Republic Act (RA) 8371 or the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act of 1997, was originally under the OP.
However, the NCIP was placed under the supervision of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) following the issuance of EO 67 in 2018.
Under the new EO, Marcos cited that the OP may regain control over the NCIP, “consistent with the State policy to further promote and recognize the rights of ICCS/IPs (Cultural Communities and/or Indigenous Peoples) within the framework of national unity and development.”
“Section 17, Article VII of the Constitution vests in the President the power of control over all Executive departments, bureaus and offices, and the mandate to ensure the faithful execution of laws,” according to Marcos’ EO.
“The NCIP is hereby placed under the administrative supervision of the OP,” it added.
The NCIP serves as the primary government agency responsible for the formulation and implementation of policies, plans, and programs to promote and protect the rights and well-being of ICCS/IPs, including the recognition of their ancestral domains and their rights.
All other orders, rules and regulations, and other issuances inconsistent with the provisions of EO 71 are repealed or modified accordingly.
EO 71 takes effect immediately. (PNA)