Here is what the Philippine Government had to say on its own performance at CERD ...

RP promotion of indigenous peoples' rights draws UN praise

Manila Bulletin, By Charissa M. Luci, http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/217064/rp-promotion-indigenous-peoples-rights-draws-un-praise

22 August 2009

The United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) has praised the Philippines ' law that protects and promotes the rights of indigenous peoples, describing it as "a beacon and revolutionary legislation."

In a report to its home office, the Philippine Mission to the UN in Geneva said the UN committee which monitors compliance of states parties to the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination took notice of the Philippine government's efforts to safeguard human rights.

Ambassador Erlinda F. Basilio, the country's permanent representative to the UN in Geneva and head of delegation, presented to the world body the Philippines' 15th-20th periodic reports (covering the period 1997-2008) at the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva, Switzerland on August 18.

During the presentation, she assured the Philippines ' unwavering compliance to the convention, proof of which are numerous measures put in place to promote and protect the human rights of the indigenous peoples of the Philippines and Muslim Filipinos.
Among these are the implementation of the landmark Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act, the activities of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, creation of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, and the programs of the Office on Muslim Affairs.

"The Philippine government not only acknowledges this rich tradition of unity in diversity, but cultivates it," Basilio said in her opening statement.

She noted that the Philippines has championed the cause of eliminating colonization, repression, and racial discrimination at the international level such as providing asylum to Jewish refugees escaping Nazi repression during World War II and granting refuge to the Vietnamese boat people.

She likewise cited the country's promotion of the interests of developing nations still under the yoke of colonialism at the inception of the United Nations and its being an influential member of the UN Committee against Apartheid, among others.

She also pledged the government's active role in the Durban World Review Conference Against Racism, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, and in pushing for greater protection of the rights of migrants and members of their families in relevant international forums.

Basilio said the Philippines waged war against racial discrimination "through our own national quest for independence, sovereignty, and development, and at the international level."