Luisita farmers interviewed anew

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) conducted last Monday the second round of interviews with potential farmworker beneficiaries in Hacienda Luisita.

Agrarian Reform Secretary Virgilio de Los Reyes said the second interview is important, as this will determine who did not qualify as beneficiaries based on the parameters set by the Supreme Court ruling, or who are those still lacking the required documents.

He said the second interview is necessary to update those who were interviewed last May 23 to July 22 on the preliminary results as well as the documents they have submitted.

“They have to show proof that they were Hacienda Luisita farmworkers as of Nov. 21, 1989,” he said.

He said farmworkers who have incomplete supporting documents will be given until Aug. 31 to submit the necessary proof of eligibility as beneficiaries.