Nograles hints of non-passage of CARPER bill by June

MANILA, Philippines - House Speaker Prospero Nograles Jr. has practically blamed the farmers that rallied at the House gate Monday in case the chamber fails to extend the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program before June. Nograles on Tuesday said several House members are having doubts about passing the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program extension with reforms (CARPER) bill after Monday’s rally. House Bill 4077, primarily authored by Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman and Akbayan Rep. Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel, is one of the priority measures that Nograles previously said he wants passed before Congress session adjourns on June 3. However, recent events including the dispersal of pro-CARPER farmers and rallyists with water cannons on Monday are giving lawmakers second thoughts about passing HB 4077, Nograles said. "It's a priority, but many members are having second thoughts because of the way protests are being orchestrated despite our honest efforts to have CARP approved," he said in a text message to GMANews.TV. On Monday afternoon, dozens of farmers and rallyists including Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo were dispersed using water cannons when they protested outside the Batasan Pambansa to voice their dismay over lawmakers' continued deliberations on Charter change instead of passing HB 4077. The measure, which seeks the extension of CARP for another five years, is currently undergoing plenary debate. Lawmakers are rushing to act on it before June ends, asjoint resolution 19, approved last December, provided for the extension of CARP sans the compulsory acquisition mode of acquiring lands only until June. - GMANews.TV