Land is still elusive for farmers

www.nordis.net

By BAYAN PR

MANILA — A quarter of a century after the infamous Mendiola Massacre of 1987, farmers and supporters marched today to the Don Chino Roces Bridge to demand land and justice.

“From the first Aquino regime to the second Aquino regime, from the time of the Mendiola Massacre and even after the Hacienda Luisita Massacre, not much has changed in the situation of the farmers and farm workers in our country,” said Bayan secretary general Renato M. Reyes, Jr.

“The killing of farmers demanding land, then and now, is a testament to the unyeildingness of the powers-that-be when it comes to this important social justice issue. It is no different under the current regime where land reform is hardly a priority,” he added.

Bayan expressed concern that vested interests are at work to take advantage of the impeachment proceedings against Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona to undermine the SC’s earlier ruling on the disputed Hacienda Luisita.

The group said that while it supported the impeachment, it was against any maneuver to reverse the decision of the SC which includes land disribution.

“The landmark Luisita decision should not be a casualty of the Aquino-Corona conflict. Now more than ever, the entire Supreme Court must show independence and decide with finality in favor of the farmers. The results of the impeachment trial should not take any toll on the Luisita decision,” Reyes said.

“The Aquino government cannot use the impeachment trial to cover up its miserable failure in addressing the issue of land, poverty and other economic issues. The people demand immediate economic relief, social justice and long-term development that go beyond the dole-outs of this government,” he added. # nordis.net