Tag: Agrarian Reform

How the new Chief Justice Lourdes Sereno might save Hacienda Luisita from the CARP

August 27, 2012August 29, 2012 benign0 34 Comments

Back in April of this year, the Supreme Court (SC) voted 8 to 6 to value Hacienda Luisita on the basis of a 1989 assessment of Php40,000 per hectare or a total Php200 mllion compensation to the owners of the entire property when it is subject to the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP). Newly-appointed Chief…

Government, Politics

Hacienda Luisita may be safe: Lourdes Sereno appointed Chief Justice of the Philippine Supreme Court

August 24, 2012 benign0 142 Comments

The Philippines has a new Supreme Court Chief Justice. Lourdes Sereno was chosen by President Benigno Simeon “BS” Aquino III to be the new head of the judiciary from a shortlist submitted by the Judicial Bar Council (JBC) today. At 52 years old, Sereno is expected to serve in the role for the next 18…

Government, Politics

President Noynoy Aquino not happy with candidates for Supreme Court Chief Justice

August 18, 2012August 18, 2012 benign0 64 Comments

Perhaps to the chagrin yet again of his bloated Communications Team, Philippine President Benigno Simeon “BS” Aquino III expressed his personal view on the final list of nominees to the role of Chief Justice of the Supreme Court unveiled by the Judicial Bar Council (JBC). Asked if he is satisfied, his reported reply: “Personally, I’m…

Government, Politics

Is the use of state resources to defend Leila De Lima from disbarment justified?

August 3, 2012August 3, 2012 benign0 21 Comments

The last couple of weeks has seen Philippine President Benigno Simeon “BS” Aquino III leaning heavily on a number of key institutions and communities that provide important counterbalance to the power wielded by MalacaÃ±ang. First it was the media, specifically veteran television news presenter and former Vice President Noli de Castro who President BS Aquino…

Civics, Government, Politics

Future Chief Justice: Leila De Lima can still rescue Hacienda Luisita from the Filipino peasantry

July 2, 2012 benign0 24 Comments

It’s the cop out of choice of Filipinos. God made me do it. Current Philippine Justice Secretary Leila De Lima reportedly “agonized” over the decision on whether or not to accept her nomination to the seat of the Supreme Court Chief Justice. According to her, she spoke to Philippine President Benigno Simeon “BS” Aquino III…

Government, Politics, Religion

There is enough basis – and motivation – to dismiss the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona

May 7, 2012May 7, 2012 benign0 11 Comments

After weeks prior to the Easter break of putting up with the inept lawyering of the Prosecution team in the impeachment trial of Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona, we find on the first day of the trial post-Easter that our Senator Judges have suddenly seemingly grown weary of the whole circus. Instead of patiently…

Crime, Government, Politics

Ph Supreme Court rules on Hacienda Luisita – values vast plantation at a measly P200 million

April 24, 2012 benign0 31 Comments

It’s final. To the plea of Hacienda Luisita Inc (HLI) that its vast plantation in Tarlac is worth P5 billion, the Philippine Supreme Courte voted 8 to 6 for a final valuation just short of P200 million. This is based on an assessment of P40,000 per hectare made in 1989 when the Department of Agrarian…

Economy, Government, Politics

Impeachment and looming bank runs: Is economic plunder the real agenda of the Second Aquino Administration?

February 7, 2012February 7, 2012 benign0 29 Comments

Looks like the venerable Philippine Savings Bank (PS Bank) is the next hapless chump thrust into the circus spotlight. In the usual tradition of the way the prosecution habitually pre-empts any court order to authorise any of its police activities, an “envelope” delivered by a shadowy “small lady” allegedly containing Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato…

Crime, Economy, Government, Media, Politics, Society