Iggy among CARP opponents Bishop

MANILA, Philippines – The Catholic archbishop assigned in Cagayan de Oro yesterday said farmers have allegedly identified Negros Occidental Rep. Ignacio “Iggy” Arroyo as one of those who are blocking the extension of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).

Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Antonio Ledesma yesterday said that farmer groups, whom he did not identify, have allegedly pinpointed to the President’s brother-in-law as one of those who have opposed the land program’s extension beyond year 2008.

“He (Rep. Arroyo) has been mentioned by farmers’ organizations and other citizens. We don’t really have all the names but I think legislators know who are those with landlord interests,” Ledesma said.

He said most anti-CARP extension lawmakers belong to the ruling coalition or allies of the present administration.

Ledesma is the Second National Rural Congress’ chairman. He asked the lawmakers to set aside their vested interests for the common good of the country.

He said the CARP could have been the nation’s right response to the urgent call for “social restructuring” if only it has been properly implemented and that poverty could have been reduced if the program was not “diluted by unscrupulous officials and by self-seeking individuals and corporate entities.”

Meanwhile, Bacolod Bishop Vicente Navarra said unjust compensation of landowners and lack of manpower are just some of the factors that continue to derail the CARP’s implementation.

The Church, he said, expects that there should be a system whereby the program can be effectively and correctly monitored. “Church will be for extension, but they would like to see that the program will be for the benefit of the farmers.” – Everlyn Macairan