Monday, July 21, 2008

Philippine Mayors Oppose ARMM Election Postponement

By Mike Crismundo - PNA

Thirty five mayors in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) are opposing the postponement of the region's August 11 polls, this was learned on Sunday.

They claimed that postponing the scheduled elections violates the law that created the region.

Suspending the regional polls is a serious violation of Republic Act 9054, the region's charter, which provides for the conduct of regional elections every three years, they noted.

The mayors said the national government should consult them on matters concerning the regional polls as this concerns fate of autonomy.

"Postponing the elections can delay the socio-economic growth of the autonomous region," said Lamitan City Mayor Roderick Furigay.

The provincial governors are also opposed to its deferment, saying "it will delay the continuous development in the region", which is now gaining headway very ostensibly.

ARMM Executive Secretary Atty. Oscar Sampulna said the governors and other local officials want the regional election held as scheduled.

The other day, House Speaker Prospero Nograles before local newsmen in Southern Mindanao, said he is not inclined to the idea of postponing the ARMM elections.

Early this month, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) sought postponement of the ARMM polls "in deference to the GRP-MILF peace talks."

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