ARMM governor Hataman to seek reelection

ISABELA CITY, Basilan – Governor Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is seeking reelection.

Hataman said President Aquino has asked him to “sacrifice more” and file his certificate of candidacy for another term as ARMM governor.

“I told him, ‘if that’s what you wish, Mr. President,’” Hataman said during his speech at the gymnasium of the Basilan State College in Sumagdang village here Sunday.

“Yes, I am seeking reelection. I will be filing my candidacy Thursday in Cotabato City,” Hataman said in a later interview.

But Hataman said he would do so to ensure the “smooth transition” from ARMM to the new Bangsamoro entity, if the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) were passed.

“The President wants that whoever sits as regional governor will not be a hindrance to the process of a smooth transition when BBL is passed,” he said.

He said his wife, Anak Mindanao Partylist Rep. Sitti Hataman, and their children initially objected to his planned reelection bid.

“I explained to them that it’s not my personal decision, that it was the President’s request,” he said. SFM