No CARP support given,
97% of beneficiaries say
STUDY FIGURE WAY TOO HIGH -- DAR
BY CARLA GOMEZ

Ninety-seven percent of the agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) covered by a survey conducted by the Negros Occidental provincial government claimed they had not received government support services and 70 percent said they have had no economic gains.

The executive summary of a study commissioned by the Negros Occidental provincial government on the actual status of CARP implementation in Negros Occidental from 1989 to 2007, and the beneficiaries perception on their economic gains and social benefits, was released yesterday by Jose Ma. Valencia, chief of staff of Gov. Joseph Marañon.

The study recommended that the government prioritize extensive support services to ARBs, focus on coverage of lands under the Voluntary Offer to Sell program and impose a moratorium on compulsory acquisition..

The Bagong Alyansang Makabayan-Negros yesterday said  the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines call  for President Gloria Arroyo to lead the campaign to combat corruption is “absurd” and “misleading”, while the Kilusang Mayo Uno-Negros urged Negrense solons not to be part of “big mafia” in Congress covering up for her.

The CBCP in a pastoral letter issued Tuesday did not call for the resignation of Arroyo but instead called on her and all branches of government “to take the lead in combating corruption wherever it is found.”

Bacolod Bishop Vicente Navarra, despite repeated attempts by the DAILY STAR, could not be reached for comment on the pastoral letter. Several Negros priests, who asked not be identified, said they had hoped for a call for the president to resign and were frustrated with the CBCP position.

A Filipino missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was killed while his two  companions, including an American, were injured when they were hit by a vehicle along the highway of Brgy. Bagumbayan, Valladolid, Tuesday.

Eugene Fontanos, 23, was hit by a Toyota Innova vehicle and was declared dead on arrival at the Valladolid District Hospital due to severe head injuries, Senior Inspector Alexander Muñoz, Valladolid police chief, said yesterday.

American missionary Jared Michael Smith and Rolando Terante, survived, but with injuries in the different parts of their bodies, Muñoz said.