ARMM OICs need not resign

MANILA, Philippines -  Acting officials of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) who are running in next year’s elections need not resign, Malacañang said yesterday.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said over government-run dzRB that under the Omnibus Elections and Fair Elections Act, appointed officials who filed certificates of candidacy (COCs) were deemed automatically resigned. However, she said the rule does not apply to those who were appointed to elective posts.

Lawyer Romulo Macalintal had said ARMM OICs running in next year’s elections are deemed resigned like an ordinary appointive official who files his COC.

“At least from the point of view of the Office of the President, we have a contrary legal opinion to the one that is being put forward by Attorney Romy Macalintal,” Valte said.

Valte said ARMM positions, including the governor, vice governor and members of the legislative assembly are elective posts even though the President appointed those holding the posts.

On President Aquino’s earlier statement that ARMM OICs will not run in next year’s elections, Valte said the “clamor” came from their constituents.

“They’re the ones who encouraged them to run to continue the reforms,” she said.