Task Force Mapalad (TFM) said issuance of certificates of land ownership award (CLOA) to 68 farmer-beneficiaries implemented the decision of the DAR under Mrs. Arroyo to distribute to farmers land subject of a 2001 voluntary offer to sell by its owner, Negros Occidental Rep. Ignacio Arroyo.

“The acquisition of Hacienda Bacan for distribution to 68 farmer-beneficiaries was in proper accord with Republic Act No. 6657, or the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law,” said Jose Rodito Angeles, TFM president.

Angeles said that the process of acquiring Hacienda Bacan for distribution under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) was facilitated and completed during the term of DAR Secretary Nasser Pangandaman during the Arroyo administration.

“The Arroyos should disabuse their mind that there is something like a conspiracy to confiscate their property. I don’t think it was possible for President Arroyo’s own secretary to violate due process against her own family, the country’s most powerful family at that time,” said Angeles.

Last October 26, the Registry of Deeds of Negros Occidental cancelled the title of Hacienda Bacan, registered a new title in the name of the Republic of the Philippines, and subsequently registered the CLOA of the 68 farmer-beneficiaries.

The CLOA covered 148 hectares of the 157-hectare sugar plantation, located in Barangay Guintubhan, Isabela, Negros Occidental.

Mrs. Arroyo's son, Camarines Sur Rep. Diosdado Macapagal Arroyo, accused President Aquino of going after Hacienda Bacan despite his "inaction" over Hacienda Luisita.

“This is just a case of President Aquino’s men doing the right thing for CARP in accordance with the law, and in response to the farmers’ clamor for CARP implementation,” said Angeles.

David Cagahastian, Manila Bulletin