Rehas at lupa: an analysis of the socioeconomic impacts of criminalization of land disputes in the case of farmers in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan

Abstract

To be a farmer is not a crime, and to demand for rights to land is definitely not against the law. Farmers are the most marginalized members of society. They are victims of several forms of violence such as widespread land grabbing, low wages, and human rights violations. Several land reform programs have been implemented in the country but not one of them has proven to be successful. Because of the proactive stance that farmers are now undertaking for the struggle for genuine land reform, different civil and criminal cases are filed against them to paralyze their struggle. Their struggle is demoralized and their rights are delegitimized. Landlords use legal measures and even the machineries of the state in order to harass farmers. Because of this, farmers are labeled as law breakers under the eyes of the law. The problem of criminalization lies behind its roots which is mainly land grabbing; it is also further worsened by the mismanagement of the agriculture sector and the slow justice system in the country. The problem of criminalization is not an isolated case; it is experienced by many farmers and activists in the international scene. This study was conducted in Tungkong Mangga, in the Municipality of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan. It is home to many farmers who are charged with civil and criminal cases that prove to be an obstacle in their struggle. Because of legal abuse, they are labeled as criminals. This study shows how the farmers are turned into criminals, and landlords are turned into victims. It also shows the many negative socioeconomic impacts on family, livelihood, security, time, and morale criminalization has brought onto the farmers.