Genuine Peasant Representative, Now in Congress
by Rhoda Gueta, KMP
ANAKPAWIS (Toiling Masses) Party List emerged victorious by ranking no. 5 in more than 200 Party List organizations that took part in the May 2004 national elections.
The Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) and its affiliated peasant organizations stated that the victory was made possible by the hard work and committed efforts from the mass support of peasants, peasant women, fisherfolk, workers and peasant advocates.
Anakpawis’ nationwide strength was founded in the determined and dedicated efforts of its mass base, particularly the peasants. By organizing the community members, active endorsement and campaigns, and forming effective tactical alliances, it carried Anakpawis towards victory.
Anakpawis got 532,636 votes which secured two seats for the party list in the 13th Congress, namely Rafael “Ka Paeng” Mariano (KMP National Chair) and Crispin Beltran (former Bayan Muna Party List Representative and Kilusang Mayo Uno’s Chairman Emeritus). Ka Paeng is a Convenor of the Resistance and Solidarity Against Agrochemical TNCs (RESIST) in September 2001.
The KMP sees Anakpawis’, especially Ka Paeng, entrance into Congress as a means for the Philippine peasantry to advance their struggle for genuine land reform.
Dr. Gani Tapang, also a RESIST Convenor said, “Ka Paeng’s entry into Congress is the entry of a genuine peasant representative. With a long history of genuinely serving the interests of the peasants, Ka Paeng will articulate and assert our concerns and demands.”
Ka Paeng’s first sponsored bill entitled “Farmers Rights Land Act”, filed on 17 August 2004, will impose the direct right of farmers to the land that they till in every aspect to ensure farmers’ security of tenure and agricultural productivity.
Ka Paeng’s victory inspired RESIST to create a Legislative Team, composed of KMP, BISSIG, MASIPAG, SEARICE and PAN-Philippines, to handle its legislative work. The team identified its Legislative Agenda for the 13th Congress in a meeting on 21 July 2004. The agenda includes the proposed Farmers’ Rights Land Act authored by Rep. Rafael Mariano, bills that counter genetically modified organisms (GMOs), repeal of the Plant Variety Protection Act, repeal of PD 1620, review of PD 457 and PD 1046-A, and amendment of PD 1144. It also covers resolutions calling for the investigation of the Bureau of Plant Industry in connection with the commercialization of GM crops, inquiry on the impacts of hybrid rice, and measures to prevent harassment suits. -end-
by Rhoda Gueta, KMP
ANAKPAWIS (Toiling Masses) Party List emerged victorious by ranking no. 5 in more than 200 Party List organizations that took part in the May 2004 national elections.
The Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) and its affiliated peasant organizations stated that the victory was made possible by the hard work and committed efforts from the mass support of peasants, peasant women, fisherfolk, workers and peasant advocates.
Anakpawis’ nationwide strength was founded in the determined and dedicated efforts of its mass base, particularly the peasants. By organizing the community members, active endorsement and campaigns, and forming effective tactical alliances, it carried Anakpawis towards victory.
Anakpawis got 532,636 votes which secured two seats for the party list in the 13th Congress, namely Rafael “Ka Paeng” Mariano (KMP National Chair) and Crispin Beltran (former Bayan Muna Party List Representative and Kilusang Mayo Uno’s Chairman Emeritus). Ka Paeng is a Convenor of the Resistance and Solidarity Against Agrochemical TNCs (RESIST) in September 2001.
The KMP sees Anakpawis’, especially Ka Paeng, entrance into Congress as a means for the Philippine peasantry to advance their struggle for genuine land reform.
Dr. Gani Tapang, also a RESIST Convenor said, “Ka Paeng’s entry into Congress is the entry of a genuine peasant representative. With a long history of genuinely serving the interests of the peasants, Ka Paeng will articulate and assert our concerns and demands.”
Ka Paeng’s first sponsored bill entitled “Farmers Rights Land Act”, filed on 17 August 2004, will impose the direct right of farmers to the land that they till in every aspect to ensure farmers’ security of tenure and agricultural productivity.
Ka Paeng’s victory inspired RESIST to create a Legislative Team, composed of KMP, BISSIG, MASIPAG, SEARICE and PAN-Philippines, to handle its legislative work. The team identified its Legislative Agenda for the 13th Congress in a meeting on 21 July 2004. The agenda includes the proposed Farmers’ Rights Land Act authored by Rep. Rafael Mariano, bills that counter genetically modified organisms (GMOs), repeal of the Plant Variety Protection Act, repeal of PD 1620, review of PD 457 and PD 1046-A, and amendment of PD 1144. It also covers resolutions calling for the investigation of the Bureau of Plant Industry in connection with the commercialization of GM crops, inquiry on the impacts of hybrid rice, and measures to prevent harassment suits. -end-
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