Let Hacienda Luisita Go

Whatever ensued from an oral argument taken on Hacienda Luisita what is best for farmers heard before the Supreme Court last Thursday (August. 18, 2010) would just remain as mere palliative and empty rhetoric if the issue of Hacienda Luisita would not be resolved. Specifically, addressing the bone of contention which is the physical distribution of the 1,400 hectares no less representing one third of  6,500 hectares plantation to10,700 landless tillers. 

That could already be very significant number albeit miniscule share of the hacienda. Most importantly, PNOY  would be sending clear message  to   the farmers, supporters, civil societies and implementers  his true intent of CARPER under his administration where infamous Stock Distribution Option scheme of big landed estates  contrary to the spirit of CARP have recalled back ownership of the land otherwise would have been enjoyed and utilized by farmers  as enjoined and enshrined in the Constitution.

Unfortunately, such scheme  has arrogated instead big landed estates into the hands of greedy landowners merely sharing peanuts the fruits of the harvest to erstwhile farmers turned stockholders via SDO. That’s indeed the reverse of agrarian reform merely using the scheme a tool of exempting them from coverage with the farmer tillers just getting their share of stocks. Hacienda Luisita Incorporated is a very good example.  The money handed ranges from less than P1 to P9,000.00! How would Juan ever survive on that shares of stock. Many were not as fortunate indeed specially  when they soon woke up realizing from the nightmare of SDO smacking right on their faces regretting on the past mistake committed.   Wilfredo Carndenas, 76, for instance just got P347.00 for his 2,400 shares. The widow Maria David, 78, got less at P248.00 barely enough buying  few kilos of rice and medicines for a day as reported by national daily..

 Such is an ugly face of Stock Distribution Option that took its heavy toll in many similar haciendas in the country from HLI Luzon, vast track of sugar plantation in Negros in  Visayas and huge Pineapple Plantation in Bukidnon and Gensan in Mindanao. Worst were several lives lost perpetuated by mighty landowners and the still continuing   harassment inflicted on  farmer leaders whose only concern is  the protection of their ranks, their respective families through physical possession of the lands for acquisition and distribution to them. I have several sensitive graphic footages uploaded on my email that defy description of HLI incident showing some of the scenes involving no less than Noynoy. How would you expect then that now PNOY would have a transformation distributing HLI to farmer-tillers when he even allowed voting for SDO when the issue is still pending for resolution in the Supreme Court over Presidential Agrarian Reform Council   ruling that SDO was bad alternative and contrary to agrarian reform policy seeking its abolition in 2005 which the Cojuangcos’ fought tooth and nail for possible moratorium of HLI. Primal concern through initial P20 Million, HLI apologist drumbeated. How could that be when they bought back their lands through SDO what otherwise would have been already acquired and distributed. Who’s fooling whom when the Cojuango’s reiterated in an interview that no way they would distribute their property. .

Let PNOY therefore prudently act fast or event might overtook him. But first he should eat his words to show his sincerity.  He should because such action could avert him a disgrace securing and carving him instead a niche in the country’s agrarian history and as his saving grace in what might be unpredictable reign of power.  But would he?

Unfortunately significant events is not on the side of the people. Then strongman Ferdinand Marcos for instance despite writing with his own hands Pres. Decree 27 or Operation Land Transfer in 1972 to dramatize his political will after putting the entire country under Agrarian reform through his Pres. Decree No. 2 manage to exempt 1,800 hectares agricultural lands  from coverage right in his own backyard. Pres. Cory Aquino followed suit making CARP as cornerstone of her society and as her way of returning back the compliment to the people as her campaign pledge but at the same surreptitiously facilitating insertion of SDO in CARP. Subsequently, the result agrarian reform became agrarian return and the program ended as unturned stone abandoned  in the corner.

Comes now PNOY with his government  hanging in the balance over the issue of HLI.  Would he or would he not. Alin ba talaga kuya.  Damned if he would do and damned just the same if he wont, Amy Pamintuan of The Phil. Star columnist wrote. But the better he takes his stand never mind not popular for as long as it would address the issue .Thus far, he was quick in matching up his antics divesting himself of  his share. Nonetheless, such action is superficial as seen from his denial of interest of  his family on HLI. The writing on the wall incidentally is ominous. That in effect would merely continue the exploitation of farmers. It’s good to know however that PNOY through HLI spokesperson Antonio Ligon categorically stated that the company will abide by the SC’s decision ruling. That means that the P20M earlier distributed to farmer beneficiaries would be gone and the remaining P130 settlement balance would be recalled by the company.

But is such declaration real or just a ploy to ease the escalating tension hovering over PNOY surrounding his stance on the controversial 6,500 hectares Hacienda Luisita 1,400 hectares of which stands for distribution to 10,700 landless tillers. Well actually such scheme has long been overdue and should have been delivered as early  June1988 yet when then Pres. Cory Aquino signed CARP as centerpiece of her government. How short is her memory though that  she soon suffered an amnesia that she orchestrated insertion of SDO clause  in CARP.

What’s the guarantee then that again PNOY would not follow the tradition. Alin be talaga kuya? Why take Juan as hostage of the incident when he can do great favor on him by letting your Hacienda Luisita go. It might be not that acceptable as such option requires swallowing  his pride as a Cojuangco but the benefits would be great. It would not only be good for the agrarian program in our country but specially, would save him from the disgrace he has been pictured which he  might not be actually he is.  Obviously the straight path is difficult as the road is  less traveled. But why not if  it works. May the best of luck be his’!