Scramble on among ARMM pols for GMA nod

DAVAO CITY — The jockeying is on for the administration’s bet for governor in the coming Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) elections in November.

With ARMM Gov. Nur Misuari’s earlier pronouncement that he would not seek reelection especially after the results of the Aug. 14 plebiscite on the expansion of the region, the field is now wide open for contenders.

Rounds of endorsements have reached Malacañang on who will be the administration bet for ARMM governor. But sources close to the President told The STAR Mrs. Arroyo has already trimmed down her list and that she will come out with her anointed candidate soon.

Included in the list is the choice of the Moro National Liberation Front’s (MNLF) ‘Council of 15.’ Cotabato City Mayor Moslemen Sema was in the list at first but he had to give way after Cotabato City voted against inclusion in the ARMM in last month’s plebiscite.

Other individual possible candidates also included former Lanao del Sur Gov. Mahid Mutilan.

Mutilan was said to have already worked on his endorsement by the Muslim community, non-government organizations and other private sector groups.

Former Maguindanao Gov. Zacariah Candao, who lost to Andal Ampatuan in his reelection bid last May, and lawyer Macapanton Abbas are also reported to bid to become ARMM governor.

The President is also said to be keen on fielding former Datu Paglas Mayor Ibrahim Paglas III, who has a track record of turning their once sleepy town into a booming place with the establishment of a vast banana plantation in their area. — Edith Regalado