The Agricultural Land Reform Program was expected to be a step forward in Philippine land

reform. It was intended to repeal the tenancy laws and replace it with a leasehold system in which
farmers pay landlords fixed rents rather than a percentage of their crop. This reform aimed to enhance
farmers' life by removing them from illegal interest rates, increasing agricultural production, granting
labor laws to all workers regardless of position, and, of course, providing a land resolution program and
working for proper land allocation. However, because the Philippines is a semi-feudal and semi-colonial
country with power concentrated in landowners and foreign corporations, peasants have been exploited
and no true land reform has taken place. Consider this: despite the fact that agriculture employs at least
75% of Filipinos, nine out of ten farmers do not have access to their own land. Farmers put in the most
effort and make a significant contribution to society, yet they get less than the minimum wage.

The Agricultural Land Reform Act was a sham because most farmers are still landless today.
Farmers held a peaceful march on Mendiola in January 1987, during Corazon Aquino's presidential term,
to seek meaningful land reform, as proposed by Aquino. They were, however, shot at by Marines and
given bullets instead of land. A total of 12 farmers were murdered, with another 19 injured.

Signing the Comprehensive Agreement on Socio-Economic Reforms (CASER), submitted by the

National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) to the Philippine government, as a possible solution
to the Agricultural Land Reform difficulties (GRP). Peace discussions between the two countries have
resumed, with the goal of establishing peace through resolving the causes of the armed conflict.
However, the major purpose of the peace talks was not followed: human rights were exploited, no
socioeconomic and political reforms were implemented, and the disposition of forces was not halted.

Finally, farmers continue to be oppressed and exploited as a result of feudalism and

exploitation. The problem will remain critical, and farmers will continue to be at danger, until the
government allows them meaningful land reform and offers significant and valuable agricultural aid.