Can Tingting run? Well, yes and no

MANILA, Philippines—Former Tarlac Gov. Margarita “Tingting” Cojuangco’s decision to run for vice governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has stirred a hornet’s nest.

Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile on Tuesday said Cojuangco could run but doubted she had established residence in the ARMM or that she could really represent Muslims.

“Her residence is in Dasmariñas [Village], Makati, that’s what I know,” Enrile told reporters. “Ownership of property is not an establishment of residence.”

As for representing Muslims, Enrile said: “The ARMM is intended for the Muslim population of Mindanao. I do not know the religion of Tingting. Although the ARMM has no religious content, it is authorized by the Constitution to be created for Muslims.”

For Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr., chair of the committee on local government which is hearing the bills seeking the postponement of the Aug. 8 ARMM elections, “that’s up to them [voters] to decide.”

Sen. Joker Arroyo, however, said Cojuangco was well qualified for the post.

“Even during martial law, she was helping the Muslims. Immediately after Edsa, she spent time with them. Very few know about it,” he said in an interview.

“Governor Cojuangco has opposed the postponement [of the polls], running is consistent with her position,” Arroyo added.

Cojuangco and her husband, Jose “Peping” Cojuangco, the President’s uncle, are opposed to the postponement of the polls and this has put them in direct conflict with President Benigno Aquino III who has instructed his allies in Congress to pass a law synchronizing the ARMM polls with the May 2013 elections.

Cojuangco’s filing of candidacy papers has highlighted the cracks in Mr. Aquino’s support base and signaled a power struggle among his allies, according to opposition Rep. Milagros Magsaysay of Zambales.

“It’s another power struggle. Tingting’s running is a fulfillment of her conviction against postponement,” Magsaysay added.