House OKs coco levy trust fund bill on final reading By ERWIN COLCOL, GMA News
Published December 14, 2020 6:15pm The House of Representatives on Monday approved on third and final reading the measure seeking to establish a coco levy trust fund, which is seen to benefit farmers and develop the coconut industry. With a vote of 221 in the affirmative, six in the negative, and zero abstentions, the chamber approved House Bill 8136, or the proposed Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act. The measure is expected to benefit around 3.5 million coconut farmers in the country who own no more than five hectares of farmland by increasing their income, alleviating poverty, and promoting social equity.