SC upholds Baguio's exemption from IPRA, denies NCIP motion for reconsideration

The Supreme Court (SC) has upheld Baguio City's exemption from ancestral claims under Republic Act No. 8371, also known as the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997.

In a ruling on Friday, December 20, 2024, the SC denied a motion for reconsideration filed by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) and heirs challenging an earlier decision from July 2023.

The court emphasized that Baguio City's charter shall determine land rights within the city, not RA 8371, citing Section 78 of the law which states that lands proclaimed as part of its town site reservation remain exempt until reclassified by legislation.

While IPRA does not apply to Baguio due to its designation as a townsite reservation since 1907, indigenous peoples can still establish ownership through continuous occupation and possession since time immemorial.

However, the SC noted that Carantes' heirs failed to prove they and their ancestors have traditionally occupied and possessed the land continuously.

The court affirmed Baguio City's exemption from IPRA but allowed for native title claims if indigenous groups are currently in actual possession of the land through a regular land titling process.

In its ruling, the SC reiterated that proof of open, continuous, and actual possession is necessary for establishing ownership since time immemorial.