‘Justice is alive in the Philippines’
‘THIS IS IT’ Farmers from Hacienda Luisita erupt in celebration in Baguio City after the Supreme Court affirmed its ruling ordering the total distribution of the sugar estate owned by the family of President Aquino and pegging the land value at 1989 prices. RICHARD BALONGLONG / INQUIRER NORTHERN LUZON
This was the prevailing sentiment of Filipino netizens on the Supreme Court’s final decision ordering the distribution of almost 5,000 hectares of land to Hacienda Luisita farmer-beneficiaries.
Hacienda Luisita became a trending topic on Twitter on Tuesday after the ruling was released.
Twitter user Marin Jabin said, “Justice has finally served the people who deserve her!”
User Lar T tweeted, “Hacienda Luisita finally to be distributed to its rightful owners. Buhay ang hustisya sa Pilipinas (Justice is alive in the Philippines).”
Twitter user Stephanie Lim said she was happy for the farmers. “I hope that the distribution will happen as soon as possible.”
Television personalities also shared their thoughts through Twitter.
Actress Assunta de Rossi, who is married to Negros Occidental Representative Julio “Jules” Ledesma IV, said, “Finally, Hacienda Luisita farmers will get what they deserve. Yes to land distribution! No to greed!”
“So happy for the farmers of Hacienda Luisita. Well deserved!” Claudine Trillo tweeted.
Posts on social networking site Facebook also praised the high court’s ruling.
‘Yellow men’
“After a lengthy war, the farmers finally get a taste of vengeance,” said Facebook user Ian Kim P. Gahoy.
“JUSTICE,” said Facebook user Gabriel Borlongan.
Facebook user Jom Pineda said, “The SC justices voted 14-0 for Hacienda Luisita land distribution. Rejoice to Luisita farmers!”
There were also users who were skeptical about the decision.
Twitter user Dinz Francisco said, “Luisita finally to be distributed but I don’t think the yellow men will agree. They will bend all the rules to take it back.”
Hoping for no flip-flop
The sprawling sugar-estate is owned by President Benigno Aquino III’s Cojuanco clan.
Chief Justice Renato Corona has said his impeachment “is a revenge and a shameless attempt to stop the distribution of Hacienda Luisita lands.”
“If this is really the end of this case, just how long will it take to distribute the land to the farmers? 1 year, 5 years, 20 years? In the Philippines, the law moves slower than a Carabao,” said user Jon in a comment on INQUIRER.net.
“Hope the SC won’t flip-flop on this. Congrats to the farmers. Use the land wisely,” said user magsasakasanayon in another comment on the Inquirer website.
In the articles of impeachment against Corona, Article 3 refers to the lack of probity, integrity and independence resulting in flip-flopping decisions. Compiled by Ana Roa and Schatzi Quodala, Inquirer Research
