CA panel endorses confirmation of DAR chief Estrella's appointment

The Commission on Appointments (CA) committee on agrarian reform on Tuesday endorsed the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III.

The recommendation was made after Senator JV Ejercito moved for the endorsement of Estrella's appointment to the CA plenary. It was seconded by Pangasinan 5th District Representative Ramon Guico Jr.

Prior to this, Senators Cynthia Villar and Francis Tolentino and Congressman Rodante Marcoleta expressed support to the confirmation of Estrella's appointment.

During the CA panel hearing, Estrella said he has no objections to any land conversions as long as the concerned land area is not irrigated.

This position is consistent with President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s order, he added.

"I have no objection so long as the land to be converted is not irrigated because that is the instruction of the president. If it irrigated or irrigable, do not convert," he said.

"Now, if it is in the highly-urbanized areas and already ripe for commercial or residential or industrial purposes, which will open up or create additional employment and business and livelihood opportunities for our people, why not?" he added. —KG, GMA News