The militant Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) expressed its doubts on Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s appointment of Domingo E. Panganiban as the new Department of Agriculture secretary. 

According to Danilo “Ka Daning” Ramos, secretary general of KMP, “Ding Panganiban was the chief of staff of Sen. Loren Legarda even up to the time of the elections last year, it seems that Malacanang’s game plan now is to appoint low profile opposition figures so as to lessen the flak it is getting. In the next few days it may dangle juicy positions to silence Gloria’s critics. This is a classic divide and conquer strategy, but as things stand it is again too little, too late for Gloria,”

“ We are issuing a challenge to Sec. Panganiban, that his loyalty should reside with the farmers and the Filipino people and not with the one who appointed him. Gloria would not stay long in power and it should be clear that her defenders and apologists would have to go as well. Panganiban should also stand up for what is right and call for Gloria’s resignation even if she appointed him, even at the risk of being called an ingrate if that is the price for standing up for the truth, then so be it” added the peasant leader. 

Meanwhile Ka Willy Marbella, internal deputy secretary general of KMP said, “let us not forget though the role of Panganiban in the Masagana 99, this program of Marcos only caused hardship to farmers because though it increased rice production, our farming expenses also ballooned because the rice varieties they introduced were pesticide and fertilizer hungry. It also eventually destroyed the land we are using due to the acidity caused by the pesticides and fertilizers,”

“Panganiban should also speak up on his position regarding our membership on the World Trade Organization (WTO). KMP is strong in its opposition to it, and in fact we are calling for the junking of the trade body for it caused millions of farmers their jobs and caused the bankruptcies of innumerable businesses,” ended Marbella. # # #
 

KMP - 4 July 2005