Political and
Legislative Involvement
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T
he FFF also utilized its mass base and social reputation
for pressure group activities, especially where farmers'
interests are involved. Althou-gh FFF has not
established its own political party, before the
proclamation of martial law, it was militant and
considerably successful in general mass political
action, such as lobbying for favorable legislation,
organizing demonstrations and participating in rallies
directed toward the implementation |
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of laws
enacted, production of and/or participation in radio and
television programs to influence government action, and
support of candidates who had shown their loyalty to the
cause of farmers. |
The FFF was responsible for
considerable portions of the various agrarian
legislative enactment's since R.A. 1199, otherwise known
as the Agricultural Tenancy Act of 1954, up to and
including the last amendment to the code of Agrarian
Reforms, enacted in 1971. Furthermore, the FFF inspired
several Constitutional provisions and government
measures on socio-economic reforms.
During the martial law period, the FFF continued to act
as an influential instrument of the farmers in the
development and application of a number of national
laws, policies and programs affecting the nation as a
whole and the rural population in particular. The
organization cooperated with the government in the
setting up of liaison offices for the articulation of
farmers' grievances, problems, and aspirations. It also
organized several hundred barrio seminars and mass
graduations cum rallies to which public officials were
invited to explain government programs as well as to act
on farmers' request.
In the rural areas, the FFF continues to be a watchdog
in the implementation of laws, promotes contact and
understanding between members and government agencies
and officials, and generates ideas for better
legislation and government programs from the peasantry.
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