Philippine Agrarian Reform Law

Agrarian Reform Law

The agrarian reform law in the Philippines has a long and complex history, with various laws and measures aimed at addressing the social, economic, and political issues in the country's agricultural sector. This article will explore the subtopics of land redistribution, agrarian justice, land ownership rights, rural development, and tenancy reform, as well as the major legislative actions taken by Philippine presidents in this regard.

Land Redistribution

Land redistribution has been a key objective of many agrarian reform measures in the Philippines. The Agricultural Land Reform Code of 1963 (RA 3844) was a significant milestone in this regard. Enacted under President Diosdado Macapagal, the code aimed to abolish share tenancy and establish leasehold arrangements, with a retention limit of 75 hectares for landlords. The code also provided for the acquisition of lands from large landowners and their distribution to landless farmers. In 1971, the code was amended by President Ferdinand Marcos to become the Code of Agrarian Reforms (1971 Code), which further strengthened the position of farmers and expanded the scope of agrarian reform.

Agrarian Justice

Agrarian justice is another aspect of agrarian reform that has been addressed through various laws and measures. For example, during the administration of President Ramon Magsaysay, the Agricultural Tenancy Act of 1954 (RA 1199) was enacted to provide security of tenure for tenants and create the Court of Agrarian Relations. Later, during the Marcos administration, Presidential Decree No. 27, which confiscated rice or corn lands over 7 hectares, was aimed at ensuring justice for tenant-farmers. However, the implementation of this decree was controversial, with many landowners not being paid compensation due to martial law.

Land Ownership Rights

Land ownership rights have been a contentious issue in the Philippines, with a history of land concentration and landlessness. The Agricultural Land Reform Code of 1963 provided for the acquisition of lands from large landowners and their distribution to landless farmers, with an emphasis on establishing owner-cultivatorship or cooperative-cultivatorship among those who lived and worked on the land. The Marcos administration's Code of Agrarian Reforms of 1971 further strengthened the position of farmers and established a system for acquiring and distributing lands. However, the implementation of these laws has faced challenges, with issues such as lack of funds and resistance from landowners and political elites contributing to delays and uneven distribution of lands.

Rural Development

Rural development has been a key component of many agrarian reform measures in the Philippines. The Agricultural Land Reform Code of 1963 sought to establish a unified administration for formulating and implementing projects of land reform, as well as a judicial system to decide issues arising under this Code and other related laws and regulations. Later, during the Ramos administration, the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law of 1988 (RA 6657) paved the way for the redistribution of agricultural lands to tenant-farmers, with a focus on improving support services such as credit, extension services, irrigation facilities, and marketing facilities.

Tenancy Reform

Tenancy reform has been a significant aspect of agrarian reform in the Philippines. The Agricultural Tenancy Act of 1954 (RA 1199) established security of tenure for tenants and created the Court of Agrarian Relations. The Marcos administration's Code of Agrarian Reforms of 1971 abolished share tenancy and set a retention limit for landlords. However, the implementation of these laws has faced challenges, with issues such as resistance from landowners and political elites contributing to delays and uneven distribution of lands.

Laws Made by Philippine Presidents

Several Philippine presidents have played a crucial role in shaping the agrarian reform landscape in the country. President Manuel A. Roxas enacted laws that established 70-30 sharing arrangements and regulated share-tenancy. President Elpidio Quirino replaced the National Land Settlement Administration with the Land Settlement Development Corporation (LASEDECO). President Ramon Magsaysay enacted laws that abolished LASEDECO and established the National Resettlement and Rehabilitation Administration (NARRA) to provide home lots and farmlands to rebel returnees. President Diosdado P. Macapagal enacted the Agricultural Land Reform Code of 1963, which aimed to abolish share tenancy and establish leasehold arrangements. President Ferdinand E. Marcos issued Proclamation No. 1081 on September 21, 1972, which ushered in the Period of the New Society and the Agrarian Reform Program. President Fidel V. Ramos committed to a vision of "Fairer, faster and more meaningful implementation of the Agrarian Reform Program" and enacted laws that amended certain provisions of RA 6657 and exempted fishponds and prawns from the coverage of CARP. President Joseph E. Estrada initiated the enactment of the Farmer's Trust Fund law, which allowed the voluntary consolidation of small farm operations into medium and large-scale operations. President Gloria Macapacal-Arroyo envisioned agrarian and land reform as the centerpiece of her administration's social legislative program.

In conclusion, the agrarian reform law in the Philippines has a long and complex history, with various laws and measures aimed at addressing the social, economic, and political issues in the country's agricultural sector. Land redistribution, agrarian justice, land ownership rights, rural development, and tenancy reform have been key aspects of these measures. The role of Philippine presidents in shaping the agrarian reform landscape has been crucial, with each administration bringing its unique perspective and set of policies to the table.