NEDA optimistic Duterte won’t approve land conversion moratorium

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) is optimistic President Rodrigo R. Duterte will back the call not to implement the Department of Agrarian Reform’s (DAR) planned two-year moratorium on the conversion of agricultural lands in the country.

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia said there is a “high” possibility that the President will not sign the draft executive order as proposed by the DAR to stop the conversion of agricultural lands into real estate developments.

“We talked among ourselves, among all the other economic ministers. Five nag-sign,” Pernia told reporters at the sidelines of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industries (PCCI) Philippine Business Conference and Expo in Pasay City, referring to a position paper circulated among the Cabinet members.

If passed, Pernia said the proposal would impact negatively on the government’s infrastructure and housing projects – and cause delays.

Aside from Pernia, the other economic ministers who signed the position paper were Budget Secretary Benjamin M. Diokno,  Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III, and Trade Secretary Ramon M. Lopez.

Vice President Maria Leonor G. Robredo was reported to have also signed the paper.

“We didn’t want to spend the time looking for signatures or asking them to sign. It was enough that the economic ministers and the Vice President signed,” said Pernia, who concurrently the NEDA director general.

“Pinadala na naming sa Malacañang and we have wide support. PCCI is supporting us, the Foundation for Economic Freedom supports us. Many other economists, they support us,” he added. — VDS, GMA News