Peasant group Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) on Monday evening, June 20, rejected president-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. as the Department of Agriculture’s Secretary, claiming that Marcos will only worsen hunger in the country.
This was after Marcos, in an impromptu press conference on Monday, disclosed that he will temporarily assume the post of agriculture chief when his administration begins on June 30.
“Marcos Jr. is grossly unqualified to face the food crisis which various experts have warned will worsen. He has no track record in agriculture to stand upon. In his many years as a legislator, he has not authored or co-authored any law beneficial to farmers,” said KMP in a press statement.
The group likewise claimed that despite his many years in the local government of Ilocos, farm lots in the region remain among the smallest, and its farmers receive among the lowest of wages in the Philippines.
KMP then disclosed that they want a DA chief with a long and credible track record in pro-farmer legislation.
“We want someone who has a long and credible track record in pro-farmer legislations and undertaking programs in agriculture. A farmer-secretary would be the best choice. Hopefully not Marcos Jr., ” said KMP in a text message to Manila Bulletin.