CA defers Mariano confirmation

Agrarian Reform Secretary Rafael Mariano. INQUIRER FILE

The Commission on Appointments on Tuesday deferred the confirmation of Agrarian Reform Secretary Rafael Mariano.

The hearing is suspended until Wednesday 10 a.m., said Senator Vicente Sotto III, chairman of the CA committee on agrarian reform.

Among the oppositors who spoke at the hearing are peasant leaders Rodel Mesa and Noel Mallari, who claim to represent farmers from Hacienda Luisita.

During the hearing, the representatives from Hacienda Luisita alleged that Mariano played favorites and he also threatened peace and order in Tarlac City.

“Mas tinutulungan nita ang ibang magsasaka, tulad ng mga taga Ambala [Alyansa ng mga Manggagawang Bukid sa Hacienda Luisita],” Mallari said.

Mariano denied he was favoring Ambala.

Manolito Dagatan and Hernani Geronimo of Lapanday Foods Corporation, meanwhile, claim that the Agrarian secretary has links to the burning of plants by the New People’s Army in Davao last April.

“He is not fit to hold such position. He abused his authority,” Geronimo said, saying their opposition is because of the injustices of Mariano against Lapanday.

Mariano also allegedly “mocked the Constitution” for favoring Lapanday farmers to their demands of turning over disputed lands to agrarian reform beneficiaries. CBB