Sponsorship Speech for the Agrarian Reform Commission Bill

Dinagat Islands Rep. Kaka Bag-ao delivered this sponsorship speech during the 06 August 2014 hearing of the Committee on Agrarian Reform for the initial consideration of House Bill No. 4375 (Agrarian Reform Commission Bill), which she authored with Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo.

[LEGAL NOTES] Queries on CARPER beyond 2014

The DAR’s continuing mandate and authority to process and proceed with the acquisition and distribution of agricultural landholdings issued with Notices of Coverage prior to CARP expiration on June 30, 2014.

Utilization of legislated budget for a government program for its full implementation shall be allowed even after the expiration of said program.

No less than Section 4, Article VIII of the Philippine Constitution  mandates that “The State shall, by law, undertake an agrarian reform program founded on the right of farmers and regular farm workers, who are landless, to own directly or indirectly the land they till.” The same section adds that, “the State shall encourage and undertake the just distribution of all agricultural lands, subject to such priorities and reasonable retention limits as the Congress may provide xxx.” 

[LEGAL NOTES] Void or valid?: The legal acrobatics of the Supreme Court decision on Hacienda Luisita

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Decision or Confusion?

In its decision dated July 5, 2011, the Supreme Court affirmed the resolution of the Presidential Agrarian Reform Council (PARC) revoking the Stock Distribution Plan (SDP) of the Hacienda Luisita Inc. (HLI). At first glance, it may seem that the decision is a victory for the farmers. However, a close reading of the lengthy decision will show that it leaves much to be desired.

[LEGAL NOTES] HLI must subscribe to the tenets of social justice and distribute the land to the farmers

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The Stock Distribution Program being implemented by Hacienda Luisita is contrary to the purpose of the agrarian reform law and violates the constitution. 

To meet the ends of social justice, the distribution of the land to the farmers who have tilled it all their lives is in order.

The provision in the law which allows such option should also be declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court for being contrary to the noble purpose of agrarian reform.