MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino is set to officiate the oath of office of former Anak Mindanao party-list congressman Mujiv Hataman as officer-in-charge (OIC) of the transition team of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) until the 2013 elections.
Hataman’s oathtaking will either be today or tomorrow depending on the availability of the President.
Hataman will formally assume office on Thursday after a simple turnover ceremony in the ARMM main office in the Shariff Kabunsuan complex in Cotabato City, replacing ARMM OIC Gov. Anzarruddin Andiong.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo said Aquino signed Hataman’s appointment more then three days ago after the former lawmaker was selected following a process conducted by several government units.
Robredo gave a definite answer on Hataman’s political plan in the 2013 mid-term elections. “He (Hataman) will not run,” he said.
During a meeting with DILG officials last Saturday, Hataman discussed his core objectives for ARMM during his first 100 days. The meeting was attended by DILG Undersecretary Austere Panadero.
The STAR gathered that Hataman’s priorities include peace and order, education, capacity-building among line agencies, and support from all stakeholders.
Congressmen-allies of President Aquino yesterday expressed their support for Hataman’s appointment.
Reps. Ben Evardone of Eastern Samar, Juan Edgardo Angara of Aurora, Joseph Emilio Abaya of Cavite, and Sherwin Tugna of the party-list group Citizens Battle Against Corruption said Hataman would help Aquino carry out much-needed reforms in the Muslim region.
For his part, Sen. Francis Escudero urged Hataman to ensure transparency and goodwill in bringing about reforms in the region.
“I wish him well. I had the privilege of working with him in the House (of Representatives) and I hope and expect to see the same level of dedication, discipline and principle and more. A lot is expected of him in bringing about meaningful change in ARMM without prejudice to anyone or anything,” Escudero said. – With Jess Diaz, Christina Mendez - By Cecille Suerte Felipe
