Is CARPER Better? A Review of the Philippine Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law (Republic Act 9700) and Good Governance

摘要

The paper discusses the impact of governance with networking and partnerships on policy reform, as exemplified by the multisectoral collaboration and cooperation that led to the passage of RA 9700 or law on the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program Extension and Reform (CARPER). It also offers a brief comparative review of agrarian reform legislation throughout Philippine history to underscore the merits of the new law, while noting challenges that may be addressed through further scholarship. The collaborative process in the drafting of and lobbying for legislation, among various stakeholders in government, business and civil society, resulted in key reforms specifically aimed at addressing the weaknesses of the previous law. Historically, inadequate sectoral representation has marred agrarian reform efforts in the country despite the considerable role of agriculture in development. However, the changing dynamic of state-society relations had also been foreseen as crucial to continued policy reform. The emergence of the new governance paradigm has contributed favorably to agrarian reform in the Philippines but not without challenges. Balancing competing interests of various sectors in society, despite their empowerment, remains a tenuous role that belongs to government. Democratization demands an enabling institutional environment characterized by properly functioning parliaments, legal and judicial systems and electoral processes through public administration.