ARMM OIC shortlist for top posts finalized, says DILG chief

The high-level committee screening candidates for posts of officer-in-charge (OIC) in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) partially finalized and submitted a shortlist for President Benigno Aquino III's review and action. "Nakahanda na ang recommendation. Ito ang pagpipilian at isusumite na," Robredo told reporters Friday during a press conference at the DILG main office in Quezon City. Robredo however refused to reveal the names of the shortlisted candidates. The high court prevented President Benigno Aquino III from appointing 26 temporary ARMM officials, including the region's governor, vice governor, and 24 representatives of the Regional Legislative Assembly (RLA). Robredo said three candidates each were shortlisted for the ARMM OIC gubernatorial and vice gubernatorial posts. The shortlist of the candidates for the RLA posts will be submitted "within the week," Robredo assured. He said nine names were shortlisted for the RLA posts in each ARMM district. Although the Supreme Court stopped Aquino from issuing appointments of ARMM OICs, Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo, chairman of the screening committee, said on Friday that they came up with the list just the same. "Kaya kapag nag-go na [ang Supreme Court], the President can appoint," Robredo said. Vetting process Earlier, the screening panel ranked the shortlisted candidates for endorsement to the House Speaker and Senate President, who will submit their respective recommendations for the approval and signature of President Aquino, according to Robredo. There were a total of 551 applicants and nominees, 74 were vying for governor; 37 for vice governor; and 440 for membership in the RLA. Of the 440 applicants for RLA posts, 46 are from Basilan; Maguindanao (1st district) – 52; Maguindanao (2nd district) – 42; Sulu (1st district) – 39; Sulu (2nd district) – 38; Tawi-Tawi – 44; Lanao del Sur (1st district – 64); and Lanao del Sure (2nd district) – 39. Several public fora, including one marred by bombing incidents, were held in the region to allow the candidates to present their legislative agenda for ARMM and obtain the commitment of the candidates and other stakeholders for reforms in the region. With Robredo in the screening committee are Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, presidential adviser on political affairs Ronald Llamas, a representative from civil society, and an ARMM representative. — ELR, GMA News