Beware of ‘trapos’ bearing gifts , President Aquino warned on ARMM

Reform advocates in Mindanao warned President Benigno Aquino III on Thursday against appointing politicians who opposed the postponement of the ARMM (Autonomous Regions in Muslim Mindanao) elections, but were now lobbying to get juicy posts in the region.

The Reform ARMM Now (RAN) Coalition also cautioned the President against appointing politicians, who have been tainted with corruption.

In a statement on Thursday, the group revealed that “some politicians, who were against the postponement of ARMM polls before are now lobbying to get juicy posts.” It refused, however, to identify them.

RAN, which strongly backed the postponement of the ARMM polls, also called on the President to allow the people of ARMM to participate in the selection of an officer-in-charge, and other officials in the region.

The next officer-in-charge of ARMM, the group said, should be God-fearing, reform-oriented and against politics of compromise.

“We are going to support the appointees of President Aquino for as long we are consulted,” said Atty. Anwar Malang, convenor of RAN and the Bangsamoro Lawyers Network.

“ We want the people in ARMM to participate in the policy reform decision-making process,” Malang said, adding that his groups would serve as watchdog during the 21-month period of reforming the ARMM.

RAN came to the defense of the President from critics, who have expressed apprehension that cronyism might thrive when new officials are appointed in the region.

“These fears are unfounded and baseless. We are confident that President Aquino would spearhead a democratic process aimed at eliminating traditional politicians,” it said.

“This (postponement) will open a 21-month window for the Aquino government to institute badly needed reforms in a troubled region,” the group added.