Philippine Politics And The Jesuit In The Middle Of It

In over 30 countries, agrarian reform failed. Only three succeeded. Taiwan and South Korea reversed successful programs when farmers migrated to urban industries. Small plots proved economically unviable. First World subsidies for agriculture and tariff intensify competition. In a globalizing world, the call is for land consolidation.

“Government has been remiss in its promise of a new day for our fellow farmers.” Politicians think of themselves first. They will give land reform as long they make money, at our expense. We have paid for this program for decades. Yet, our agricultural sector is in distress. (Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program) CARP turned us into a net importer of agricultural products, which we used to export.

Many farmers know the intent of land reform may be good. But if they are not ready for it, land becomes an insurmountable burden. Over 88 percent of “landlords” own 10 hectares or less and struggle to survive. These are retired teachers, civil servants who bought with their lifetime savings land for retirement.

It is easy to give up what is not yours. “Why is the Left blind to this fact?” Those who argue for land reform should give up their own property. That includes the Pope who has an entire city; Catholic bishops who’re the second largest landowners; Fr. Joaquin Bernas and his fellow Jesuits. “Don’t the poor need their property more than them?”

Individuals like Christian and Solita Monsod should give up their Dasmariñas Village and Subic homes.

And columnists? They should give 70 percent of their salaries to the poor — and up to 95 percent. “Sounds like a fair deal to me.”

Link (here)

More on Fr. Joaquin Bernas, S.J.

The Filipino Constitution and education (here)

Fr. Bernas interviewed in a Filipino TV interview on a constitutional problems (here)

An article on St. Ignatius of Loyola entitled, Let Me Talk Jesuit Today by Fr. Joaquin Bernas SJ (here)