The Pambansang Koalisyon ng Kababaihan sa Kanayunan (PKKK), a network of more than 200 rural women leaders and advocates from different rural development organizations, expresses concern on issues that pose threat to the integrity of the coconut levy funds both as public funds and as coco farmers' trust fund.  In particular, we are outraged by the proceedings of the Senate hearing on the PCGG budget, when no less than PCCG Chair Sabio kept mum on the question of why he peddled a compromise deal for the SMC shares.  We believe he knows exactly why he pushed for a compromise; and definitely, we are not among those he claimed to have "consulted" in favor for it.

Since PCGG Chair Haydee Yorac's demise, PKKK has been troubled that the public character of the coco levy funds, particularly the 27% of SMC shares, will be compromised and will further upset the objective of putting-up a trust fund for the farmers and rural women in the coco sector.  The rural women in the coconut areas have as much right as their male counterparts in setting the directions of the coco levy funds.  The full recovery of these funds has great potential in improving their present condition of extreme poverty. At present, women belonging to coconut farming household still cope with daily threats of hunger for lack of security and sustainability in their livelihoods.  It is for this reason that rural women leaders summon all stakeholders not to lose sight of the gut issue behind the coco levy recovery, i.e. improving the lives of the small coconut farmers. Indeed, for the sake of their families and their children, there's no room for compromise. 

Striking a deal with the perpetrators of the coco levy scam would jeopardize the integrity of the funds.  Unfortunately, this is what Sabio is exactly doing.

Sabio is not an innocent pawn. Multuhin sana sya ni Haydee!

Sgd. KA TRINING M. DOMINGO
President
PKKK National Council

For inquiries, please contact PKKK Secretariat c/o Ampy Miciano at 929-6211 or 924-3767