Mitmug elected speaker of ARMM legislature

COTABATO CITY, Philippines—Assemblyman Rasul Mitmug Jr. of Lanao del Sur’s first district became the third highest official of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao after he was elected speaker of the Regional Legislative Assembly on Monday.

At their first session, the interim lawmakers handpicked by President Benigno Aquino also elected Assemblywoman Dayang Carlsun Sangkula-Jumaide of the lone district of Tawi-Tawi as speaker pro tempore.

Elected as majority floor leader was Assemblyman Romeo Sema of Maguindanao’s first district while Assemblywoman Irene Tillah of the second district of Sulu was elected assistant majority floor leader.

Assemblyman Khadafeh Mangudadatu of Maguindanao’s second district is the minority floor leader.

Mitmug told reporters that as lawmakers they will be independent fiscalizers but will work with the executive branch in instituting reforms in the regional bureaucracy.

The assembly, locally known as the “Little Congress” of the ARMM, is composed of politicians from the ARMM’s nine congressional district.

Like acting ARMM Governor Mujib Hataman and Vice Governor Bainon Karon, the assemblymen were appointed by President Aquino on the basis of Republic Act 10153, the law that postponed the ARMM elections scheduled in August last year and empowered him to name officers in charge to ensure government services are extended to 3.9 million ARMM constituents.

ARMM is composed of the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.