Hacienda Luisita Stand-Off

December 2nd, 2004 at 2:16 pm (National Politics)

One thing we are constantly taught in school is leading by example. The Hacienda Luisit stand-off, however, is a perfect but alarming example example of the opposite of the afore-mentioned lesson. Former President Corazon Aquino’s so-called centerpiece legislation during her presidency was the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP). And yet, her own amily still owns a considerable amount of agricultural land, supposedly equal to more than a hundred Luneta Parks. This by virtue of loopholes in the CARP.

Moreover, former President Aquino is known as a humanitarian, a pious and compassionate person. However, the bloody confrontation beween the striking laborers of their hacienda, and the police and military authorities and the events leading to it betray the image which garnered for her local and international admiration.

What’s more disturbing is her family’s unwillingness to confront the situation to reach a compromise. Rather, they resorted to legal and police means to end the strike. This, as we all know now, led to the unneccessary death of at least seven strikers–a stark conrast to the bloodless Peaople Power revolution which put former Pres. Aquino into power.

Kris Aquino’s asmission that her family is deep in debt is nothing but a shocker. Although the revelation is indeed shocking to most people, it does not absolve her family of their unjust treatment of their employees. Their financial standing is their problem alon and should not lead to the exploitation of other people and the unjust implementation of a supposed pro-poor legislation aimed at social justice and equality.

At a time when the Filipio are desperately clamoring for change and looking for role models and leaders who can lead without ulterior motives and without the intention of enriching one’s self, Cory Aquino was supposed to be the flickering light amidst corrupt, self-serving shady politicians. This stand-off, however, has cast a shadow of doubt on her sincerity and integrity.

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2 Comments

  1. ralph said,

    April 21, 2006 at 2:16 am

    i am not be a part of any one of what happen to hacienda luisita
    i couldn’t say who should be blame of what happen. . .
    but one thing is for sure, there is a massive human rights violation between the management of the hacienda and the forces who held thier hands to stop the rallies. . .
    the army officers involved were covered by falsity. . .
    it is so clear that the high government officials was involved through it. .
    i could say so, it is beacause they case is still pending as of thsi present day. . .
    do money dominate the law? i hope it doesn’t.
    where is the right of the people to have athe freedom to assemble. - press freedom? .. .
    where is the right of the people covered from the Bill of Rights (Article 3,Sec. 1 ) no persons shall be deprived on life, liberty or property without due process of la w nor any peesons shall be denied an equal protection of the law?
    why does the law enforcer diso beyed this rule…
    PRESIDENT GLORIA MACAPAGAL ARROYO. . .TAKE AN ACTION ON THIS, WHERE IS YOUR PROMISE?

    ralph C. L.
    youth, students of University of Mindanao

  2. Mrs.C. Dijkhuyzen said,

    January 18, 2007 at 11:17 am

    If only the military and other politicians gave Pres.Aquino the chance to govern,and no coup plotting etc.then the Philippines is better today.It’s our opinion.20 years of dictatorship(read the presidential plunder).Millions of dollars sipphoned in foreign banks.How about that royalty wedding of irene marcos in 1983?My goodness,they should have built houses for the poor in Tondo.THINK.I shiver when I think that these people are again in high governing!And because of our earnings here in Europe our country is not yet bankrupt!We are worried here in Europe to what’s happening there.

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