Show up, 78 coauthors of CARP bill told
MANILA, Philippines–House Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II has challenged the backers of the proposed Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program extension and reform law (CARPer), or House Bill No. 4296, to show up in the plenary and ensure there will be a quorum to pass their pet legislation.
Gonzales met with Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) officials and other civil society groups pushing for CARPer.
The bill has been stuck in limbo after being passed by the House on first reading last year. The Senate passed its CARPer bill a year ago.
“I told them when they went to my office that I am not anti-CARP but there are a number of oppositors that necessitate the presence of supporters to insure a quorum,” Gonzales said. “They can’t just show their support for the CARP through press conferences.”
In a text message, Gonzales said: “What is ironic is that DAR and Secretary Gil delos Reyes are riding on the issue of the apparent failure of the House to take up the CARP extension bill without admitting that the failure to issue notices of coverage of lands in the DAR’s list before June 30, 2014 was brought about by the department’s inefficiency and its lackadaisical attitude to fullfill its mandate.”
“Now, they are using the issue to cover their blunder and laziness,” he added.
Lawyer Christian Monsod of Sulong Carper said Gonzales had told them the job of managing the legislative process would be easier if proponents attended more sessions.
Seventy-eight lawmakers have signed on as author, coauthor or supporter of CARPer. They include Ifugao Rep. Teodoro Baguilat Jr., Tarlac Rep. Noel Villanueva, Nueva Ecija Rep. Magnolia Rosa Antonino-Nadres, Lanao del Sur Rep. Ansarrudin Adiong, Albay Rep. Fernando Gonzales, Compostela Valley Rep. Carmen Zamora.
Dinagat Islands Rep. Kaka Bag-ao, Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, Pangasinan Rep. Primicias Agabas, Apayao Rep. Eleanor Bulut-Begtang, Benguet Rep. Ronald Cosalan, Baguio City Rep. Nicasio Aliping, Mountain Province Rep. Maximo Dalog, Kalinga Rep. Manuel Agyao, Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Gerona-Robredo, Davao del Sur Rep. Franklin Bautista, Zamboanga City Rep. Lila Nuno;
Camarines Sur Rep. Salvio Fortuno, Quezon City Rep. Winston Castelo, Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, Pampanga Rep. Joseller Guiao, Pangasinan Rep. Leopoldo Bataoil, Cagayan Rep. Baby Aline Vargas, Basilan Rep. Hadjiman Hataman-Salliman, San Jose Del Monte City Rep. Arturo Robes, South Cotabato Rep. Pedro Acharon;
Nueva Vizcaya Rep. Carlos Padilla, Agusan del Norte Rep. Lawrence Fortun, Misamis Oriental Rep. Peter Unabia, Capiz Rep. Antonio del Rosario, Abra Rep. Jocelyn Bernos, Cagayan Rep. Randolph Ting, Masbate Rep. Elisa Kho, Cavite Rep. Lani Mercado, Misamis Oriental Juliette Uy, Batanes Rep. Henedina Abad, Agusan del Norte Rep. Eripe John Amante, North Cotabato Rep. Jose Tejada, Bohol Rep. Eric Aumentado, Manila Rep. Benjamin Asilo, Bulacan Rep. Victoria Sy-Alvarado, Occidental Mindoro Rep. Josephine Ramirez Sato;
Surigao del Norte Francisco Matugas, Valenzuela Rep. Sherwin Gatchalian, Laguna Rep. Sol Aragones, Antipolo Rep. Romeo Acop, Isabela Rep. Napoleon Dy, Isabela Rep. Ana Cristina Go, Isabela Rep. Rodolfo Albano III, Quezon Rep. Aleta Suarez, Bukidnon Lourdes Acosta-Alba, Surigao del Norte Rep. Guillermo Romarate, Marikina Rep. Marcelino Teodoro, Cavite Rep. Abraham Tolentino;
Quezon City Rep. Alfred Vargas, Bataan Rep. Herminia Roman, Akbayan Rep. Walden Bello, Akbayan Rep. Ibarra Gutierrez, Butil Rep. Agapito Guanlao, Coop-Natco Rep. Cresente Paez, Coop-Natco Rep. Anthony Bravo, Agbiag Rep. Patricio Antonio, Abamin Rep. Maximo Rodriguez, Agri Rep. Delphine Lee, 1BAP Rep. Silvestre Bello III, OFW Rep. Roy Señeres, Agap Rep. Rico Geron, Angkla Rep. Jesulito Manalo, Ang Nars Rep. Leah Paquiz, An Waray Rep. Neil Montejo, Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano, Anac IP Rep. Jose Panganiban, Abakada Rep. Jonathan dela Cruz, AVE Rep. Eulogio Magsaysay, LPGM Rep. Arnel Ty, ABS Rep. Catalina Leonen-Pizarro and Ako Bicol Rep. Rodel Batocabe.
