MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Agrarian Reform on Wednesday belied allegations that it is sabotaging the processing and distribution of parcels of land in Hacienda Luisita, Tarlac in connection with the Supreme Court decision.
In a statement, the DAR said the claims were "baseless" and "unfounded," as all stakeholders have been consulted on the matter.
"The DAR has been transparent in all aspects, even conducting consultations with all parties involved in the Hacienda Luisita case, including the process of selecting the accounting firm to conduct the special purpose audit on the Hacienda Luisita, Inc. and Centenary Holdings, Inc.," the DAR added.
"All the groups present during the consultation meeting were even assured that they will be consulted every step of the way, and that their participation will be guaranteed," it said.
The state agency said that the exclusion of areas that not included in the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program of the government is in compliance with the High Court's ruling.
"The segregation of non-CARPable areas such as roads, canals and the like is in full compliance with the SC's decision," the DAR said.
The agrarian reform agency also assured the parties involved that the auditing process scheduled tomorrow, Feb. 28, will proceed "in order for the parties to start discussing the selection criteria for the auditing firm."
"The audit work on the proceeds of P1.3 billion, along with the finalization of the master list, the surveying of the landholding and the distribution of farm lots to the beneficiaries, among others, are clear directives of or are part of the dispositive portion of the SC. These directives of the Supreme Court cannot be disregarded," the DAR said.
The High Court has earlier ruled that the parcels of land in the property owned by the family of President Benigno Aquino III should be distributed to the more than 6,000 farmer-beneficiaries.