Monday, January 07, 2008 Gov't to maintain stance on Sumilao land dispute
CHIEF Presidential Legal Counsel Sergio Apostol is confident that Malacañang would stand by its decision to re-classify the disputed 144-hectare land in Sumilao, Bukidnon as agricultural even if the current owner, food conglomerate San Miguel Foods Inc. (SMFI), seeks a reversal of the presidential proclamation.
"I don't think we will change our earlier position in favor of the farmers. But right now, there's a process, so we just have to wait for the legal actions of the concern parties," said Apostol.
He said Malacañang has yet to issue an "order of finality" on the proclamation as it awaits a possible motion for reconsideration from SMFI, a subsidiary of
San Miguel Corp. (SMC).
"If there is no motion after 15 days, the order of finality will be issued. If there is a motion, then concern parties would make the necessary actions. We have to wait," he added.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo last December 18 issued a proclamation reversing a 1996 decision converting the land into an agro-industrial land following the application for conversion of then owner Norberto Quisumbing Sr.
The Quisumbings in 2002 sold the land to SMFI that started its P2.4 billion hog farm construction in 2004.
The farmers, however, sought a reversal of the decision and marched about 1,700 kilometers from Bukidnon to Manila from October to December in 2007 to personally take their plight to the President who approved their request. (JMR/Sunnex)
