taxation and land reform

kMembers of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) detain a farmer activist during a protest near the Malacanang Presidential Palace in Manila February 11, 2014. The farmers are calling for President Benigno Aquino to fully implement the land acquisition and distribution component of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), according to local media. REUTERS/Romeo Ranoco (PHILIPPINES - Tags: POLITICS CIVIL UNREST)egal defense in cases filed against farmers and farm workers also requires their direct participation. The various cases that are filed by landowners to avoid CARP or to bring about a reversion of agrarian gains need to be resolved, but the farmers and farm workers affected by such actions must also have the opportunity to present their cases properly before the deciding authorities. In most cases, however, decisions are reached that are adverse to the interests of farmers and farm workers because their claims and defence have not been fully explained in the courts or agencies where the cases are lodged. Sometimes, the farmers and farm workers concerned are not even included as party-litigants.

It is believed that agrarian legal defence could be better effected with the participation of the farmers and farm workers. This can only be achieved if they are equipped with the fundamental knowledge of the pertinent laws and rules. In particular, the following benefits would result from farmers and farm workers being properlyIn general, they could push for more efficient legal representation by private or public counsel.
In certain venues and cases, they could represent themselves (thus eliminating dependence on lawyers to pursue their claims and defence).

Policy reform initiatives should be actively undertaken by farmers and farm workers. It is a recognized fact that there are many existing policies in agrarian reform that stifle the programme's efficient implementation and defence. Policy reform advocacy is, therefore, essential. As regards