341 aspire for 16 ARMM positions

The Department of Interior and Local Government said it has received 341 applications for the 26 positions including that of the governor in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) after the last day for the filing for applications expired last August 26.

DILG secretary Jesse Robredo said on Thursday that the 51 applicants for governor in the capacity of officer-in-charge include ex-ARMM governor Zacarias Candao, acting ARMM governor Ansaruddin Adiong, Maguindanao governor Esmael Mangungudadatu and former Department of Local Government deputy minister Saimaden Pangarungan.

Of the 341 applicants, 51 are seeking the ARMM governor’s post, 17 the vice governor’s and 273 membership in the Regional Legislative Assembly, Robredo said.

Robredo said only 24 will be chosen as representatives in the Regional Legislative Assembly.

Robredo also said that the selection process will be published in newspapers and the DILG website. He encouraged citizens to voice out their concerns about the applicants, adding that the process of selection would be “very transparent.”

A national and local forum will be held from September 13 to 15 to present the candidates’ agenda for the ARMM, Robredo said.

Robredo said the names of shortlisted applicants will be sent to the President by September 20.

Republic Act 10153 and Executive Order 51 issued by President Benigno Aquino III postponed the ARMM elections originally scheduled for last month and synchronize them with the May 2013 national and local elections. A screening committee was also created to select the OICs in the region.

The members of the screening and selection panel include the secretary of National Defense, the Presidential political adviser, a civil society representative and one local government unit representative.