Sulu vice governor challenges Hataman for ARMM gubernatorial race

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - Incumbent Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Regional Gov. Mujiv Hataman is not running unopposed in gubernatorial post in the 2016 elections.

This was after Sulu patriarch and influential Vice Gov. Abdusakur Tan filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) for ARMM governor Thursday without fanfare.

Tan filed his COC on October 15 through his proxy, Jojo Tan, at the regional office of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Zamboanga City. He announced this in Sulu province where thousands of people, mostly supporters, gathered to hear him speak together with his official slate.

Tan filed his candidacy almost the same hour when Hataman filed his COC for reelection through Norombai Utto, 2015 class valedictorian of a public high school in Barangay Tukanalipao in Mamasapano, Maguindanao

READ: Valedictorian files COC for ARMM governor

Both Hataman and Tan are members of the ruling Liberal Party (LP).

Pres. Benigno Aquino III had asked Hataman to seek reelection while telling him to be ready to step down once the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) is passed to allow room for transition.

READ: Aquino asks Hataman to 'sacrifice' as ARMM bet

Tan, on the other hand, believed that he is still LP’s candidate though he has not received a certificate of nomination and acceptance from the party leadership.

Tan assured to support the presidential bid of former Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II.