The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) expressed concern over alleged faked consultation and approval from affected indigenous communities to push through the construction of Kaliwa Dam in Quezon

CHR spokesperson Jacqueline Ann de Guia said the free prior and informed consent (FPIC) is necessary to activities that affect indigenous peoples’ (IPs) ancestral lands, territories and natural resources under IPs’ right to self-determination.

“The right to free consent implies equally the right to dissent,” De Guia said in a statement on Monday.

“If indigenous peoples are clearly opposed to a particular project, their decision should be respected and they should continue to benefit in the same way as other people from State benefits, development plans and services,” she added.

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