KMP to Duterte: Begin genuine land reform, coco levy funds release | Inquirer News

KMP to Duterte: Begin genuine land reform, coco levy funds release

/ 06:37 PM July 26, 2016

duterte 8

President Rodrigo Duterte. SCREENGRAB FROM RTVM

Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) urged President Rodrigo Duterte to start a genuine land reform program and the immediate return of the coco levy funds to farmers after he failed to address the said issues in his first State of the Nation Address (Sona).

“The lack of mention of land reform and the coco levy funds in the president’s Sona is a call on farmers to rely mainly in the peasant mass movement and struggle, including the peace negotiations, in asserting their rights to the land, “ KMP Chair Joseph Canlas said in a statement on Tuesday.

Article continues after this advertisement

READ: KMP urges Duterte to create genuine land reform policy

FEATURED STORIES

The KMP called on Duterte to address the issues after a policy directive on land reform and the return of the multibillion coco levy funds were not discussed in the Sona.

“We urge Duterte to heed farmers’ plea for a piece of land and return the coco levy funds to small coconut farmers for the achievement of a just and lasting peace,” he stated.

Article continues after this advertisement

The KMP also expressed hopes on the peace talks between the government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), saying that a genuine agrarian reform and rural development will address the roots of war.

Article continues after this advertisement

READ: Duterte gov’t urged to act on agrarian reform, food security

Article continues after this advertisement

“Aside from free land distribution, the NDFP draft comprehensive agreement on social and economic reforms recognizes the rightful claim of peasants and agricultural workers to the coco levy funds, sugar amelioration fund and tobacco excise tax,” Canlas said.

He stated that the resumption of peace negotiations will benefit the Filipino peasantry and the rural poor, whose fight for reforms have led to violent encounters.

Article continues after this advertisement

“Farmers are taking the road of armed revolution mainly due to the continuing land monopoly and land-grabbing by big landlords and plantations, and the lingering semi-feudal exploitation,” Canlas said. Ma. Czarina Fernandez, INQUIRER.net trainee/RAM

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

Visit our Sona 2024 live coverage to stay updated with the latest #SONA2024 news and stories.
TAGS: KMP, Sona

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.