DAR to implement Luisita land distribution once SC order becomes final

The Department of Agrarian Reform on Thursday said it is ready to implement the Supreme Court's decision ordering the distribution of land to the farmer beneficiaries of Hacienda Luisita Inc. (HLI), once the decision becomes final and executory. DAR Secretary Virgilio delos Reyes said it is possible a second motion for reconsideration on the matter may be filed before the high court. "We are ready to implement the order once it becomes final and executory," Delos Reyes said in an interview on dzBB radio. HLI is the sugar plantation owned by the Cojuangco side of President Benigno Aquino III's family. Earlier this week, the Supreme Court voted 14-0 to order the distribution of land to HLI farmer benficiaries. But delos Reyes noted there is a possibility the concerned parties may file a second motion for reconsideration. "Usually the parties may file a second motion for reconsideration. So it is an option for the parties concerned," he said. He said it will then be up to the high court to tackle the second motion for reconsideration. Delos Reyes said the farmer beneficiaries who opted to receive stock options may have to return the shares of stock to HLI. Also, he said the beneficiaries cannot sell the land for the next 10 years. — LBG, GMA News