Duterte OKs giving death, burial benefits to IP reps in barangays

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte has authorized payment of death and burial benefits to indigenous peoples mandatory representatives (IPMR) in barangays who die during their term of office, Malacañang said Monday.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said Duterte signed Executive Order No. 139 on June 18.

“Pinirmahan po ni President Rodrigo Duterte noong June 18 ang Executive Order No. 139 na nagbibigay ng awtoridad sa pagbibigay ng death at burial benefits sa indigenous peoples mandatory representatives o IPMRs sa mga barangay,” Roque said in a press briefing.

(President Rodrigo Duterte signed on June 18 Executive Order No. 139 authorizing the payment of death and burial benefits to indigenous peoples mandatory representatives in local villages.)

The Department of the Interior and Local government along with the Department of Budget and Management and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples were directed to determine the amount to cover IPMRs’ death and burial benefits.

Under EO 139, the President stressed: “there is a need to recognize the invaluable contribution” of IPMRs in barangays.

The Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997 mandates that indigenous peoples be represented in all policy-making bodies and local legislative councils.

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