ABSTRACT
The Philippines ratified the World Heritage Convention in August 1985 only a few months before Marcos' government was overthrown through the 1986 people power revolution. Historically, the Philippines has had a strong framework for human rights protection. The Philippines is also one of the founding member-states of the association of South-East Asian nations, which promulgated the 2012 association of Southeast Asian nations human rights declaration recognising the right to development. A specific World Heritage policy or legislation is needed since performing the state obligations under the convention could mean additional burdens for communities, and for local government units. In terms of benefit-sharing arrangements in the World Heritage context, the local government units are entities distinct from the concerned indigenous communities, and other stakeholders. The 2012 free and prior informed consent guidelines had been promulgated and was in effect at the time that the Mt Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary was nominated for inscription in the World Heritage List.
