The deal is devious through and through.

Under the so-called settlement between Hacienda Luisita’s management and the farm workers, those who will chose land distribution over stocks will be given land that is equivalent to their stock holdings. The actual equivalent of stocks to land area and how viable it would be is not clear in the agreement. The scope of land distribution is also questionable since lawyers have argued that it is the entire estate which should be subjected to land reform, not just 33% of the land that is devoted to agriculture. The basic argument of the farmer petitioners in the Supreme Court is that the entire Hacienda Luisita should be distrubuted because the so-called Stock Distribution Option was a dismal failure.

Groups continue sign-up against MRT fare hike, subsidy reduction
Cause-oriented groups belonging to the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan today resumed their signature drive against the impending MRT fare hike. Various groups went out to gather signatures at the MRT North Edsa, Quezon Avenue and Cubao stations. The signatures will be compiled and submitted to the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) which is deliberating the fare hike.

Today’s Court of Appeals hearing on the writ of amparo and writ of habeas data petitions filed by the family of Gregan Cardeño dealt with the definition of the issues in the case.

Citing betrayal of public trust and culpable violation of the Constitution as grounds, progressive groups today filed an impeachment complaint against Gloria Macapagal Arroyo-appointee Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez the before the Office of the Secretary General of the House of Representatives.

“The incumbent Ombudsman, Ma. Merceditas N. Gutierrez has miserably failed to live up to the role of Ombudsman during the five (5) years she has held the position. Far from the zealous and impartial body envisioned in the Constitution, the Office of the Ombudsman has instead become synonymous with inaction, delay, partiality and corruption in favor of high-ranking government officials.”