Sultans, mayors endorse Alvarez

Long-ruling sultans from the 15 royal houses of Lanao del Sur sought the intercession of Senate President Franklin Drilon and House Speaker Jose de Venecia yesterday for the confirmation of Transportation and Communications Secretary Pantaleon "Bebot" Alvarez.

The traditional Maranao royalty joined the Lanao del Sur chapter of the League of Municipalities (LMP) in endorsing the confirmation of Alvarez, a former Davao del Norte congressman.

Sultan Topaan Disomimba, speaking on behalf of the 38 municipal mayors and 15 sultans, recalled that Lanao del Sur had, for a long time, been deprived of basic services, hurting the socio-economic and political conditions of the Maranaos.

Disomimba said he believes that "only Secretary Alvarez can fulfill our dreams of economic development."

The letter of support for Alvarez’s confirmation, along with the resolutions of the LMP chapter and the 15 royal houses in the four principalities of Lanao del Sur and Norte, was sent to the members of the Commission on Appointments.