Hataman on call to quit for polls: Ask Aquino

COTABATO CITY—Acting governor Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) pointed to President Aquino when asked if he would step down as appointed ARMM governor to run for the same post in next year’s elections.

Hataman said the decision on whether he stays as acting governor while campaigning for election to the post next year would be up to Mr. Aquino.

Election lawyer Romulo Macalintal said Hataman should step down as acting ARMM governor if he wants to run based on a 1987 Supreme Court decision and a resolution of the Commission on Elections.

Hataman, who was appointed by the President to head the five-province autonomous region in 2011, said he could not just leave his post unless the President tells him to.

Malacañang has said that the laws that Macalintal cited did not apply to Hataman’s case and that of other ARMM appointed officials.

“Even if they were appointed by the President by virtue of the law on the ARMM postponement of elections to synchronize with the 2013 midterm elections, they are holding elective posts and function like elected officials,” Palace spokesperson Abigail Valte said.

While Hataman was leaving his fate to the President, two of his appointed officials had resigned to pursue their political bids.

ARMM Interior Secretary Haruon Al-Rashid Lucman Jr. will be replaced by Executive Secretary Anwar Malang in a concurrent capacity, Hataman said.

Lucman is running for ARMM vice governor under the Liberal Party. Charlie C. Señase, Inquirer Mindanao