Tuesday, August 4, 2009 | MANILA, PHILIPPINES [ BusinessWorld Online ]
A MEASURE extending the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) for five years was ratified by the Senate yesterday, paving the way for its signing into law later this week by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel F. Zubiri called the approval of the measure — which allocates P150 billion for the acquisition and distribution of at least one million hectares to a minimum 700,000 beneficiaries — a "tribute" to the late President Corazon "Cory" C. Aquino.
"We crossed party lines and opinions for the approval of the measure in deferrence and tribute to former President Corazon Aquino as this was her centerpiece program during her administration," Mr. Zubiri said.
Mrs. Arroyo, he added, is expected to sign the measure on Friday in Bulacan, where she is scheduled to present awards to cooperatives.
The House of Representatives ratified the measure last July 29.
Republic Act (RA) 6657 which established CARP was signed into law by Mrs. Aquino in 1988. In 1998, RA 8532 extended the program to 2008. Political squabbling delayed approval of a new law, with legislators compromising on a join resolution that set a six-month extension to June 30.
The ratified measure reinstates compulsory land acquisition and distribution, which had been dropped in the joint resolution.
Senator Joker P. Arroyo, however, said the final version lacked transparency.
"My major lament centers in two things: Deletion of the provision ordering the Executive to submit documents and failure to prioritize payment of small landowners," he said.
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