Two Armm leaders say federalism is an option

By NICOLE MANAGBANAG
Correspondent

AUTONOMOUS Region in Muslim Mindanao (Armm) Gov. Mujiv Hataman and Lanao del Sur Assemblyman-elect Zia Adiong are open to the idea of federalism if the next Congress would reject the proposed Bangsamoro law.

Hataman and Adiong, both Liberal Party candidates in last month’s elections, have also expressed their support for the next administration.

In a statement relayed his chief of staff Ras Mitmug, Hataman expressed doubt that the proposal for a Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) would materialize.

But Mitmug said Hataman was open to supporting President-elect Rodrigo Duterte’s call for a shift to a federal form of government.

Adiong, meanwhile, said there was a need to “dissect this form of government” given that the next President believes it would help bring peace in Mindanao.

Adiong his declaration of support to the incoming administration was not about loyalty to a political party but on “participation to pave the way for improvement and attain the long overdue peace and development, particularly in Muslim Mindanao.”

“The introduction of federalism is perhaps a breathe of fresh air to those who seek change from the laws we applied before which resulted in social injustices,” Adiong said.

Adiong however said there were certain issues in predominantly Muslim areas in Mindanao which the proposed form of government may not be able to address.

He said he prefers the BBL because the proposal is a result of collective efforts.