RCBC says its 300-hectare industrial property is not covered by land reform (CARP) as DAR itself ordered its conversion in 1996 from agricultural. The property was acquired from its previous owner, Luisita Industrial Park Corp., in 2004.
The validity of the conversion was upheld by the Supreme Court with finality in 2012, RCBC said in a statement.
Clearly, the order issued by DAR Secretary Rafael Mariano last February reversing DAR’s conversion order of 1996 and classifying the property as agricultural again directly violates the Supreme Court decision issued five years ago, the bank said.
DAR has no authority to revoke the conversion order and overrule the Supreme Court, RCBC said adding that Mariano’s order completely lacks legal basis.
Assuming DAR has the authority, it denied RCBC due process by unilaterally acting to revoke the 1996 conversion order.
RCBC said it has already filed a motion for reconsideration with the DAR to call its attention to its absolute lack of jurisdiction to issue the order, but its inaction on the matter has encouraged the eruption of violence in the area.
Rule of law must prevail to keep the peace. In this case, it starts with respect for the orders of the highest court of the land, RCBC said as it vowed to explore all legal remedies to protect its interest.