ARMM lawmakers re-install ex-Speaker

COTABATO CITY — Members of the Regional Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) reinstalled the other night their ousted Speaker, just a week after they elected a neophyte legislator to take over his post due to loss of trust and confidence.

At least 13 members of the 24-seat RLA voted in favor of the return of Tawi-Tawi Assemblyman Ismael Abubakar Jr., whose speakership was occupied for just seven days by Sulu Assemblyman Abraham Burahan.

Burahan was installed Speaker last week by a group of assemblymen discontented with Abubakar’s management of the RLA.

"This development in the RLA is a clear indication that there is democracy in the ARMM’s legislature," said Abubakar.

Burahan earlier said it was Abubakar’s "lack of transparency" in handling the RLA’s coffers that prompted his bloc to unseat Abubakar and subsequently, install him as Speaker.

Abubakar believes that the accusations against him had all been cleared when his fellow assemblymen voted in favor of his re-assumption as Speaker. — John Unson