MANILA, August 7, 2009- Catholic bishops said they will keep watchful eyes on the implementation of a law extending the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program with reforms.
Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines, said "guarding" the program is necessary to ensure the allotted budget goes to intended beneficiaries.
"Its implementation must be guarded in favor of the farmers. The money allotted for it must be used with accountability and justice," he said.
Basilan Bishop Martin Jumoad said they are hoping that the concerned government agencies work had to implement the law.
"There are no sacred cows to be spared, because as we know the lands belong to many powerful politicians," he said.
"We will closely monitor the implementation of this CARP law," added Jumoad.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Friday signed the consolidated version of the bill extending CARP for another five years.
Malacañang said the signing of Republic Act 9700 or CARP extension with reform is the government's response to the plea of farmers to extend the program, which expired last year.
The CARPer law has a P100-billion allocation for land acquisition and distribution, support services, agrarian justice delivery and other funding requirements during the extension period.
Mrs. Arroyo signed the bill into law at the Don Cesario San Diego Gym in Plaridel, Bulacan at 10 a.m. Friday.
Archbishop Lagdameo said they are "pleased" with the approval of the law, adding that it would cause a "better quality of life of the rural poor."
"Thank God, CARP extension plus reform is approved and signed," he said.
CBCP Public Affairs Committee Chairman and Caloocan Bishop Deogracias Iniguez, for his part, said it's a victory for the farmers particularly those without their own lands to till.
"We are thankful that President Arroyo finally signed the CARPer because this has been the farmers' long-time dream. This is really for them," he said. (Roy Lagarde)