SC dismisses petition of Luisita farmers on mediation

MANILA, Philippines - The Supreme Court dismissed yesterday a petition of a group of farmer-beneficiaries of Hacienda Luisita to end mediation to settle the long-standing dispute through an amicable settlement.

Retired SC Associate Justice Alicia Austria- Martinez, mediation panel chairman, read the SC ruling to the parties.

Jobert Pahilga, lawyer of farmers belonging to Alyansa ng mga Manggagawang Bukid ng Hacienda Luisita, had filed the petition.

The SC enjoined all parties to participate in the mediation proceedings, and granted motion of lawyers of Hacienda Luisita Inc. (HLI) to require parties and lawyers to swear under oath that they are making proper representation.