OUTGOING Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) Councilor Halila Sudagar hopes there will be clearer guidelines on the selection process of an IPMR to prevent any future conflicts.
Sudagar, currently running for second district councilor, said on Tuesday, May 7, that while the selection process is slated to commence on May 23, the position will still not be vacant.
Sudagar, the current IPMR, was reinstated back in 2018 after Cherry Ann Codilla was disqualified by the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) due to lack of genealogical qualification.
Codilla filed a case at the Regional Trial Court branch 53 in Davao City, but was now reportedly dismissed, Sudagar said.
Hence, the selection process may now proceed.
When asked if there are provisions that are needed to be improved or revised, Sudagar said the guidelines of the selection should be in accordance with the Indigenous People’s Rights Act of 1997 or IPRA Law.
“Kung naa sila’y internal agreement, primarily on customary laws, dapat mao na ang mag-prevail (If there are internal agreements, primarily on customary laws, it should prevail),” she said.
At present, the selection body is polishing the guidelines in order to avoid future problems.
Sudagar said the body will be able to select a new IPMR by June, in time for the oath-taking of the new councilors.
Meanwhile, she is thankful for the opportunity to be able to serve the IP sector.
“I owe a lot to the IP community for giving me a longer time to serve and I hope I did not fail them because I was also able to pass two landmark legislations, the Hijab ordinance and the IP alternative dispute ordinance,” Sudagar said.