House Speaker Martin Romualdez (2nd from right), Senate President Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri (leftmost) and Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella lll (rightmost) witness President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s (seated) signing of the New Agrarian Emancipation Act in Malacañang on July 7, 2023.




A "groundbreaking" law. That's how House Speaker Martin Romualdez described the newly-enacted New Agrarian Emancipation Act, which President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. signed on Friday, July 7. “The groundbreaking legislation is a testament to President Marcos' unwavering commitment to the welfare of our farmers and the promotion of agricultural development,” said Speaker Romualdez, who was in Malacañang to witness the happy occasion. The new law, also known as Republic Act (RA) No.11953, condones the P57.56 billion total debt of 610,054 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) tilling 1.173 million hectares of land. “By condoning these substantial debts, the Act aims to alleviate the burden on our agrarian reform beneficiaries, providing them with a fresh start and a renewed opportunity to enhance their productivity, improve their livelihood, and uplift the quality of their lives,” he said. Under existing laws, ARBs are required to pay for the land awarded to them under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) in annual installments with 6 percent interest for a maximum period of 30 years. The new law emancipates or frees the farmers from all the unpaid amortizations of the principal debt, including interests and surcharges. The measure also stops the execution of a final and executory administrative or judicial ruling solely due to the failure of an ARB to pay the amortization and interest that would disqualify him, and result in the cancellation of his agrarian reform title. Agrarian reform lands forfeited solely due to the same reason shall be restored to the original beneficiaries. “Hindi na maaagaw sa mga magsasaka natin ang 1.1 milyong ektarya ng lupa na sinasaka nila ngayon (The 1.1 million hectares of land that our farmer are tilling will never be taken away from them)," declared Romualdez, Leyte's 1st district representative. Under the new law, ARBs shall also be automatically included in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBA) of the Department of Agriculture which would entitle them to all support services given to the farmers by the DA and other government agencies. The law likewise exempts ARBs from payment of estate tax. ARBs who fully paid their agrarian debt will be given priority of access to credit facilities and support services. “This law is in line with the principles of social justice and economic empowerment, which have always been at the forefront of President Marcos' vision for our country,” said the Speaker. Romualdez believes that the new law will serve as a catalyst for rural development and contribute to the overall growth and prosperity of our nation. “When our farmers are freed from the burden of debt, they would be able to invest more in their land and improve their productivity. This can lead to better yields and profits, which can help improve the lives of our farmers and their families,” he said. The House approved its version of the measure, or House Bill (HB) No.6336 back in December 2022. The Senate approved the counterpart measure last March.