NYT stands pat on Luisita story

MANILA, Philippines - The New York Times (NYT) yesterday stood by its story quoting a cousin of Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III as saying that the Cojuangcos had no intention of giving up Hacienda Luisita to tenant-farmers under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).

In a statement on his website, NYT correspondent Carlos Conde said that the paper was ready to release the tape recording of the interview with Fernando Cojuangco, Aquino’s cousin, that took place late last month at the sugar plantation owned by the family since 1958.

“We stand by our story. The interview with Mr. Fernando Cojuangco was recorded. If he wants us to release the tape, we will be more than happy to do so,” said Conde, who added that he had been authorized to speak on the matter.

Aquino took exception to a Times article quoting Cojuangco, chief operating officer of the holding company that runs the plantation, that the family would not give up the hacienda.

“If you read that article, it was unfortunate that it was written that way. I don’t think it’s a fair treatment. As I told you there are already options which are being explored,” the Liberal Party presidential bet said when confronted with the issue.

Conde said he and NYT Southeast Asia bureau chief Norimitsu Onishi interviewed Cojuangco for an hour and a half at the plantation on Feb. 23.

“When I read the story (Tuesday) morning, I reviewed the tape and it was there. (The quotes were) not taken out of context,” he said.

“There were portions that were off the record but not those quotes,” Conde added.

But Aquino said his cousin texted him and apologized “and was wondering if he was quoted accurately.”

Aquino said all six families – his mother’s and her siblings families – that owned Luisita had met and there was a unanimous decision that running it (Luisita) under the present scheme is not really viable.”

He said the news article ran counter to his announcement that the family would transfer the hacienda to the farmers after ensuring that debts were paid off.

“It will be theirs free and clear,” Aquino said during an interview with the Times.