Photo shows workers loading sugarcane on a truck. TONETTE OREJAS/INQUIRER CENTRAL LUZON
1957—Jose Cojuangco Sr. acquires Central Azucarera de Tarlac, including Hacienda Luisita, from the Spanish company Compania General de Tabacos de Filipinas (Tabacalera) through a Central Bank-guaranteed loan from the Government Service Insurance System and a dollar loan from the Manufacturer’s Trust of New York.
The loans are secured on condition that the estate will be distributed to farmers under President Ramon Magsaysay’s social justice program. The properties are transferred to Cojuangco’s Tarlac Development Corp. (Tadeco).
May 7, 1980—The Marcos government files a civil case before the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) to compel the distribution of the land to farm workers.
Dec. 2, 1985—Manila RTC orders the transfer of the hacienda to the Ministry of Agrarian Reform, which will distribute the land to farmers after compensating the landowners P3.988 million. The Cojuangcos brought the case to the Court of Appeals.
February 1986—Cory C. Aquino, one of Cojuangco’s five heirs and the widow of slain Sen. Ninoy Aquino, is installed as President after People Power Revolution ousts Marcos.
July 22, 1987—Aquino issues Presidential Proclamation No. 131 and Executive Order No. 229 calling for a Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).
March 17, 1988—Solicitor general files motion to dismiss the civil case against the Cojuangcos, citing CARP; court grants motion.
June 10, 1988—CARP law is enacted, provides stock distribution option (SDO) scheme as an alternative to land distribution.
Aug. 23, 1988—Tadeco creates Hacienda Luisita Inc. (HLI) for SDO deal.
May 9, 1989—In a referendum, 92.6 percent of farmers voted “yes” to SDO; assets of HLI is put at P590 million, of which P196.6 million comprise the value of the agricultural land.
Oct. 14, 2003—Supervisors petition DAR to revoke SDO, saying HLI was not giving them dividends, their one-percent share in gross sales and 33-percent share in the proceeds from the conversion of 500 hectares of land.
Dec. 4, 2003—5,000 farmers file a supplemental petition to revoke SDO, claiming deal is unconstitutional.
Nov. 16, 2004—Seven people are killed and scores are injured in a violent dispersal of striking workers.
Sept. 30, 2005—DAR cancels SDO, orders distribution to farmers of estate.
Dec. 20, 2005—The Presidential Agrarian Reform Council (PARC) upholds DAR decision. HLI asks the Supreme Court to nullify the PARC resolution.
June 2006—Supreme Court issues a temporary restraining order against PARC’s resolution.
July 5, 2011—Court upholds DAR revocation of SDO, but calls for another referendum.
Nov. 22, 2011— Responding to an appeal, court votes 14-0 for distribution of 4,195 hectares of the hacienda to 6,296 farm worker-beneficiaries, sets 1989 as basis for land valuation. HLI files a motion for reconsideration and clarification against the high tribunal’s ruling. Inquirer Research
Source: Inquirer Archives