LP to field Hataman for ARMM governor

MANILA, Philippines - The ruling Liberal Party (LP) is likely to field Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao officer-in-charge Mujiv Hataman as its candidate for ARMM governor in next year’s elections.

“There is a consensus among party leaders to endorse Mujiv to be our candidate for ARMM governor. We will seek President Aquino’s go-signal for his candidacy,” a House leader and LP stalwart, who did not want to be identified, told reporters yesterday.

He said the administration party wants Hataman, a former congressman, to continue the reforms he initiated in the ARMM.

“The President himself has appreciated Mujiv’s reform initiatives, particularly his efforts to vanish ghosts among ARMM’s personnel and financial transactions,” he said.

He noted that Aquino described Hataman as a “certified ghost buster” in his State of the Nation Address last July 23.

In a recent gathering of officers of the autonomous region, the President said he could sleep soundly with his former House colleague at the helm of the ARMM.

Signature drive

A signature campaign to ask Hataman to run for ARMM governor was also launched in Central Mindanao on Sunday.

Hataman “has proven his worth so far as ARMM OIC-governor and we believe he can do more if given an elective mandate,” those behind the signature drive, among them representatives of different civil society organizations leading the signature drive, said in a manifesto.  

“Hataman’s leadership exudes signs for success of President Aquino’s reform agenda in ARMM,” said Judge Abu Ali Cali of the Ulama League of the Philippines, one of the groups behind the signature campaign.

Tom Villarin of the Mindanao Convergence for Asset Reform and Development said Hataman is in a better position to help push the Southern Mindanao peace process forward and the much-needed reforms in the ARMM, because he enjoys the support and confidence of the region’s Muslim and Christian communities. 

“Hataman has demonstrated transparency and accountability in his brief stint in ARMM,” Jolly Lais, secretary general of the Bangsamoro Solidarity Movement, said in a press statement.

The other groups endorsing Hataman’s candidacy are the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society, Association of Integrated Rural Development in Lanao del Sur, Muslim Sectoral Movement for Peace and Development and the Muslim Mindanao Ulama Council.

“I’m not aware of that signature campaign. That’s flattering. But it’s really up to the President. He’s my principal with regards to our national leadership’s effort to fix the problems in the autonomous region,” Hataman said. – With John Unson