The Daily Tribune and the Malaya today have somewhat similar editorials on the Sumulao issue. I suppose they will never understand nor know what social justice is all about. Why do you think Filipinos work? We all work so we can live decently. We work so we can realize our dream of owning our own land. I suppose these people are content that they sit in their airconditioned rooms, sitting in comfortable chairs and simply rely on their perception that the less fortunate are beggars and the landless incompetent.
I am glad that the Inquirer (Breakthrough, If the land could weep and sing, Choosing peace, Feudal) understands what is really at stake here. Like I said, the issue goes beyond emotions, culture and even the land. Humanity and life are the real issues here. I suppose the Tribune and Malaya are still living in the past. Industrialization does not mean one is progressive. And that being a farmer is worst than being a laborer. I do agree with their views that government support is lacking. This is the flaw in the CARP that must be addressed and its not beneficiaries who should be faulted here.
Land has been an illusive dream not just for those in the countryside but those in the cities as well. I also do not agree that converting a fertile, irrigated and prime agricultural land into a piggery, poultry farm, a processing plant or even into an industrial park will lead to uplifting the lives of FARMERS. There are other lands which both dailies point out, why not develop those? For publications who claim to fight for rights and against injustices, they seem to be barking at the wrong tree.
The Sumilao issue is one of desperation of a people long deprived. I share Bikoy's view that there are many more out there just like the Sumilao farmers. They are just a drop in a sea of desperation. Money is one thing the Sumilao farmers do not have. They have no funds to go on a media blitz like big business. They rely on people sensitive enough to give them the voice they lack. They do not have funds to hire a battery of legal luminaries who can easily circumvent the law. What they have are lawyers who adhere to the oath they took. I am not saying that justice should be on the side of the poor, it seldom is in this country anyway. I am merely pointing out the justice usually goes to the side of those who can sustain a prolonged legal battle.
So who among us live in the past? I'm sure its not me. I would like to see every Filipino own a piece of his country. No one deserves to be a squatter in his own land.
I am glad that the Inquirer (Breakthrough, If the land could weep and sing, Choosing peace, Feudal) understands what is really at stake here. Like I said, the issue goes beyond emotions, culture and even the land. Humanity and life are the real issues here. I suppose the Tribune and Malaya are still living in the past. Industrialization does not mean one is progressive. And that being a farmer is worst than being a laborer. I do agree with their views that government support is lacking. This is the flaw in the CARP that must be addressed and its not beneficiaries who should be faulted here.
Land has been an illusive dream not just for those in the countryside but those in the cities as well. I also do not agree that converting a fertile, irrigated and prime agricultural land into a piggery, poultry farm, a processing plant or even into an industrial park will lead to uplifting the lives of FARMERS. There are other lands which both dailies point out, why not develop those? For publications who claim to fight for rights and against injustices, they seem to be barking at the wrong tree.
The Sumilao issue is one of desperation of a people long deprived. I share Bikoy's view that there are many more out there just like the Sumilao farmers. They are just a drop in a sea of desperation. Money is one thing the Sumilao farmers do not have. They have no funds to go on a media blitz like big business. They rely on people sensitive enough to give them the voice they lack. They do not have funds to hire a battery of legal luminaries who can easily circumvent the law. What they have are lawyers who adhere to the oath they took. I am not saying that justice should be on the side of the poor, it seldom is in this country anyway. I am merely pointing out the justice usually goes to the side of those who can sustain a prolonged legal battle.
So who among us live in the past? I'm sure its not me. I would like to see every Filipino own a piece of his country. No one deserves to be a squatter in his own land.
0 comments:
Post a Comment