Villar scolds DA, DAR execs for 'motherhood statements' on priority measure

Officials from the departments of Agriculture (DA) and Agrarian Reform (DAR) on Friday got a scolding from Senator Cynthia Villar for allegedly giving “motherhood statements” on one of the priority measures of Malacañang.

Villar said she is being pressured by Malacañang to get the three bills proposing the Agrarian and Agricultural Credit Condonation Act approved at the Senate. However, resource persons invited by the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food failed to answer her questions during the panel’s hearing.

“Kailagan ko daw ipasa ito eh hindi kayo makasagot…Huwag niyo ko babasahan na ‘we in the Department of Agri’ support the condonation eh ano ba yang mga salitang yan? Motherhood statement?” Villar said.

“Wag ganyan kasi lokohan yan. Bakit, hindi ba namin naiintindihan yung motherhood statement, parang tingin niyo sa mga senador niyo walang nalalaman? Ako kasi marami akong gagawin pero I take my time here to come and do this hearing para may legislative accomplishment tayo,” she added.

Officials from the DA and DAR were unable to provide what amount of interests, surcharges and penalties on agricultural loans of farmers and fisherfolk they want condoned.

The senator said that while the two departments may not be represented by their secretaries in the committee hearings, they should at least send officials who can provide the right answers.

“Medyo magulo 'tong bill na’to. This bill is not coming here for the first time. It has been forwarded in many Congresses. Kaya siguro hindi napapasa, kasi medyo magulo,” Villar told reporters in an interview.

“Dapat ang pupunta yung nakakasagot kasi paano tayo maghi-hearing kung yung pupmupunta hindi nila alam yung mga sagot?” she added.

The proposal to write off unpaid interests on loans of farmers and fisherfolk was listed under the 10 common priorities of Congress and Malacañang. —KBK, GMA News