Sen. Francis Pangilinan expresses outrage over the order of the Department of Public Works and Highways to fine and jail farmers who are drying palay on national roads.
He says the order stems from a lack of knowledge on the real plight of Filipino farmers.
"Hindi lang pang-aalipusta sa maliliit na magsasaka ang utos ng DPWH na ikulong at pagbayarin ang mga nagpapatuyo ng palay sa mga national road. Kakulangan din ng kaalaman sa tunay na kalagayan ng mga magsasaka."
"Kung merong public mechanical drying systems, lalo na yung gumagamit ng libreng solar energy, hindi magpapatuyo sa sementadong kalye ang mga magsasaka natin. Kasi alam nila na hindi ito efficient, na maraming naaaksayang palay," he says.
The DPWH warned those who would violate the order would get a fine of P1,000 and imprisonment of up to 6 months citing Presidential Decree No. 17 which revised the Philippine Highway Act of 1953.