Coconut Farmers’ Trust Fund Act

An Indirect Initiative Bill of Small Coconut Farmers

Petition for Indirect Initiative Section 3 (b) and Section 11 of Republic Act No. 6735, otherwise known

as the Initiative and Referendum Act

Definition – (Section 3-b) "Indirect initiative" is exercise of initiative by the people through a proposition sent to Congress or the local legislative body for action.

Section 11. Indirect Initiative. — Any duly accredited people's organization, as defined by law, may file a petition for indirect initiative with the House of Representatives, and other legislative bodies. The petition shall contain a summary of the chief purposes and contents of the bill that the organization proposes to be enacted into law by the legislature.

The procedure to be followed on the initiative bill shall be the same as the enactment of any legislative measure before the House of Representatives except that the said initiative bill shall have precedence over the pending legislative measures on the committee.

Title of the Bill: An Act to Spur Rural Development in

the Coconut Sector by Establishing the Coconut

Farmers’ Trust Fund, Providing for the

Management Thereof, and for Other Purposes

Coconut Farmers Trust Fund Act

The template used for this bill was the Coco Farmers Trust Fund Bill filed by Rep. Lorenzo “Erin” Tañada III during the 15th Congress. For the 16th Congress, this indirect initiative bill by Coco Farmers was filed in the

HOR on 12 May 2014 and in the Senate on 19 May 2014

Petitioners

Coconut Farmers Trust Fund Act

Kilusan Para sa Ugnayan ng mga Samahang Magniniyog (KILUS Magniniyog)

VICENTE “KA VIC” FABENational Council Ex-Officio Member, Pambansang Kilusan ng mga Samahan ng Magsasaka (PAKISAMA)ADELMO “KA ADEL” ARANDELAPresident, Nagkakaisang Ugnayan ng mga Maliliit na Magsasaka at Manggagawa sa Niugan-Quezon (NIUGAN-Quezon)MAURO “KA JUN” LLORERA, JR.Secretary, Aniban ng mga Magsasaka, Mangingisda at Manggagawa sa Agrikultura-KATIPUNAN (AMMA-KATIPUNAN)EDUARDO “KA ED” MORAChair, Pambansang Kaisahan ng mga Magbubukid sa Pilipinas (PKMP)MARILOU CUETO-TAPIAVice President for Mindanao, Kilusan para sa Repormang Agraryo at Katarungang Panlipunan (KATARUNGAN)

Petitioners

Coconut Farmers Trust Fund Act

Kilusan Para sa Ugnayan ng mga Samahang Magniniyog (KILUS Magniniyog)

LUISITA “KA CITA” ESMAOPresident, Lakas ng Kababaihan sa Kanayunan (LAKAMBINI) OSCAR “KA OCA” F. SANTOS

Chairman Emeritus, Coconut Industry Reform Movement (COIR)JOSE MARIE T. FAUSTINOExecutive Director, Coconut Industry Reform Movement (COIR)FELIX “KA JUN” PASCUA, JR. National Spokesperson, Pambansang Kilusan ng mga Makabayang Magbubukid (PKMM)

ISAGANI SERRANOPresident, Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement (PRRM)ISABELITA J. ESCOVILLAAuditor, Kalipunan ng Maliliit na Magniniyog ng Pilipinas (KAMMPIL)GEORGE F. MALBUN, JR.Secretary General, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi Federation of Farmers & Fisherfolks Association (BASULTA)

Purpose of the Fund

Coconut Farmers Trust Fund Act

The Perpetual Trust Fund will be used for the development of the coconut industry for the ultimate benefit of the small coconut farmers and farm workers.

-Finance programs or give assistance to coconut farmers-Increase productivity of coconut farms -Develop coconut-based enterprises and other anti-poverty programs

Fund Source

Coconut Farmers Trust Fund

Nature of the Fund

Coconut Farmers Trust Fund Act

- The principal or all recovered coco levy assets and dividends shall be perpetually maintained and preserved. The principal may be augmented by grants, donations & other lawful transfers

- In the event that any property or asset of the Trust Fund is sold, alienated or disposed of, all proceeds and revenues shall form part of the principal

- Only the income, interest earnings & monetary benefit of the principal shall be used for programs and/or projects for disposition of the Committee

Trust Fund Committee

Coconut Farmers Trust Fund Act

Tasks of the Trust Fund Committee

Coconut Farmers Trust Fund Act

- Decide on the disposition, utilization and allocation of the Fund

- Identify agencies that will implement projects and programs

- Set investment and asset management policy

- Review established priorities for the preferential assistance to coconut farmers & farm workers

- Formulate Rules & Regulations governing the allocation, utilization & disbursement of the Fund

- Form a Secretariat to provide staff work & serve the needs of the Committee

- Exercise oversight functions & monitor implementation of the programs

OUR INITIAL LEGISLATOR-SUPPORTERS…

OUR INITIAL LEGISLATOR-SUPPORTERS…

Coconut Farmers’ Trust Fund Initiative

Bill

Ngayon na!