Ampatuan’s mayor-son tops Lakas’ bet list for ARMM gov

COTABATO CITY — A mayor-son of Maguindanao Gov. Datu Andal Ampatuan topped the list of possible gubernatorial candidates of the administration’s Lakas-Christian, Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) in the Aug. 8 elections of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Maguindanao Rep. Simeon Datumanong, regional chairman of the Lakas-CMD, said Mayor Datu Zaldy Ampatuan of Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao got 10 votes from the screening panel chaired by Presidential Assistant on the Peace Process Teresita Deles.

The panel, which met in Manila last Wednesday, gave Maranaw politician Dimas Pundato five votes and ARMM Speaker Hatimil Hassan, three votes.

The others in the shortlist were Basilan Rep. Jerry Salapudin, House deputy speaker for Mindanao; ARMM Assemblyman Ismael Abubakar Jr., ARMM Vice Gov. Mahid Mutilan, businessman Toto Paglas of Datu Paglas, Maguindanao; and ARMM Social Welfare and Development Secretary Bainon Karon.

Among those present in Wednesday’s selection were Maguindanao Vice Gov. Datu Bimbo Sinsuat, Governors Benjamin Loong of Sulu and Sadikul Sahali of Tawi-Tawi, and Reps. Hadji Anuar Abubakar of Tawi-Tawi and Faysah Dumarpa and Benasing Macarambon Jr., both of Lanao del Sur.

Datumanong, who was here Friday to inspect his project in the second district of Maguindanao, said the screening panel strictly adhered to its criteria in selecting the administration’s gubernatorial candidate.

Among the criteria were the aspirant’s involvement in peace-building, his knowledge of governance, efficiency in handling state funds and grants from local and foreign donors, and his having a clear framework of a peace and development initiative for the region.

Datumanong said in a radio interview that they will furnish President Arroyo their final list of potential candidates for ARMM governor for her disposition.