PHNO-OPINION: BENJAMIN PIMENTEL: AQUINO COULD USE LUISITA TO MAKE HISTORY

BENJAMIN PIMENTEL: AQUINO COULD USE LUISITA TO
MAKE HISTORY

SAN FRANCISCO, MAY 1, 2012 (INQUIRER) By Benjamin Pimentel -
The Supreme Court ruling on Hacienda Luisita was such an important event
it merited a major speech by President Aquino.
In fact, it was a golden opportunity for P-Noy – a chance for him to take
charge of such a historically important issue and tell a compelling story.
The decision was widely portrayed as a blow to P-Noy's family – and to him.
But Aquino could have turned it around.
Unfortunately, his first reactions to the decision fell flat, his message
muddled, even defensive.
As reported by the Philippine Daily Inquirer, P-Noy finally discussed the
decision with reporters at the birthday celebration of his ally Mindoro Oriental
Governor Alfonso Umali.
"The executive is prepared to enforce the law and to carry out the
instructions of this decision," he said. "But before we say that we will
implement such-and-such by such-and-such date, we have to know what we are being
tasked to do and that is not yet clear. The last time I asked, we don't have
hard copies of the decision."
On TV newscasts, farmers and their supporters were shown dancing and
cheering, and some were even in tears, after the ruling was announced. And
here's the president offering a drab statement and giving the impression that
the issue is so unimportant his staff hasn't even bothered to secure a copy of
the ruling.
Does he consider the decision a victory for the farmers? This is where he
tips his hand. As ABS-CBN reports, for Aquino, portraying the ruling a victory
implies there was a "conflict."
By that, he was referring to his family's proposal, which they argued had the
support of some of the farmers, for a stock distribution plan. That plan, which
was heavily criticized, was eventually struck down by the court.
But then, P-Noy also adds, "But that's water under the bridge."
So why bring it up?
"As far as my family is concerned, remember, the agrarian reform law was
passed under my mom's term. That was her flagship project. So as her son and
someone who believes in her ideology, who would not want to empower farmers?"

"Gusto ng family namin siguraduhin na nasa maayos sila, hindi 'yung sumama
ang sitwasyon nila," the president was quoted as saying. "'Yun lang naman ang
desire from the start e."
Given the long history of bitter conflict and even bloodshed at Hacienda
Luisita, it was an unfortunately weak, even incoherent, reaction.
But Aquino can still formulate a stronger one. He can still embrace what many
see as a unique chapter in our history when ordinary Filipinos scored a victory
over the rich and powerful – and use it to strengthen his own political
position.
Many Filipinos believe his reform agenda. By showing that he is willing to
take on even his family's interests, even more Filipinos would be more inclined
to support his efforts to clean up government and build a more equitable
society.
The gloating responses of his critics, including Chief Justice Renato Corona,
were predictable. And P-Noy's own tepid reaction didn't help.
But there's still time to take charge of this issue. As many have noted, the
bigger problem will be how to effectively hand over the estate to the farmers.
P-Noy can still lead in that effort.
Land reform has long been a life and death matter in our country.
Many people have died in the fight over Hacienda Luisita and many other
haciendas in the country. They've starved and struggled with repression. They've
protested and cried for justice. They've taken up arms and joined guerrilla
movements.
Noynoy Aquino is now in a unique, if difficult, position.
He is now poised to become the first Philippine president whose family ended
up losing economic power – instead of gaining more – during his term.
Many see that as a stunning defeat for Aquino. But handled properly, Luisita
could actually pave the way for one of his greatest victories.
For Noynoy Aquino's presidency could still turn out to be one compelling
story… about how the scion of a hacendero class actually helped dismantle an
oppressive system.


Chief News Editor: Sol Jose Vanzi
© Copyright, 2012 by PHILIPPINE HEADLINE NEWS ONLINE
All
rights reserved




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