CARP deferred for Con-Ass

Wednesday, 03 June 2009 16:02 Ofelia T. Sta. Maria

The House of Representatives decided today to prioritize its Charter change resolution before focusing on the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), considered a "priority bill" of Malacañang. Today is the last day of session before Congress adjourns sine die.

"I am very apprehensive that if the passage of this urgent legislation is delayed further, trouble may break out. The farmers have waited long enough and they are feeling desperate," said Senate minority leader Aquilino Pimentel. "Clearly, it is the interest of this administration and not of the nation that is brazenly being pushed here," Senator Francis Pangilinan told gmanews.tv. "We will oppose this latest caper, this latest shameless attempt at mangling the Constitution to serve the Arroyo regime."

The Senate on Monday approved its version of the extension bill for CARP. The five-year extension includes "P147 billion and institutes reforms in the acquisition and distribution of lands and strengthening support services."

CARP expired in June 2008 and was extended until December 2008. It was then issued a joint resolution by Congress because of its failure to accomplish a new law to replace it, and was extended until June 2009. Congress will adjourn on Friday, June 5.

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