The president has given Sec. Ronnie Puno “full powers of supervision” to carry out his own recommendation to suspend all government, military and police officials in Maguindanao. He was also authorized to appoint temporary replacements.

Last Thursday, Sec. Ronnie Puno recommended the suspension of all Maguindanao officials to allow an impartial investigation of the massacre which is said to link within the rivalry of two political clans in the province.

The House ratified the bicameral report last July 29 and the said law allots P150 billion for acquisition of 1.6 million hectares of land for almost 1.2 million farmer-beneficiaries. It can be recalled that farmers protested asking for the extension of the CARP Law since it already expired last year. And during the president’s State of the Nation Address, Arroyo urged the Congress to pass the bill.

The signing of the Carper law in Plaridel Bulacan is actually a break from the regular inspection of material recovery facilities in and out of the Metro. On the said day, Arroyo is also expected to launch other programs for agrarian reform beneficiaries and agrarian reform communities. Some of the programs that will be launched include Programang Unlad Nayon Lakas Ani (Punla), Tulay ng Pangulo para sa Kaunlarang Pang-Agraryo and a lot more. These programs will focus on the delivery of support services and other CARP infrastructure support projects.