MANILA, 10 May 2005 — A strong anti-corruption stance dictated the choice of Datu Ibrahim “Toto” Pendatun Paglas III as head of the Liberal Party slate in the coming Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) gubernatorial elections.
Paglas’ choice as head of the administration LP-K-4 coalition was announced by Liberal Party (LP) head and Senate President Franklin Drilon who said the entire LP line-up for the Aug. 8 elections has an anti-corruption platform.
“The Liberal Party is offering the people of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao the option of electing political leaders who, for a change, can finally bring about effective governance, economic development and transparency to the regional government. This LP slate is standing on an anti-corruption platform,” Drilon said.
The LP slate, Drilon said, will be composed of political leaders with impressive track records in governance and known personalities in civil society who have been advocating for peace, development and anti-corruption programs.
He added he was confident of Paglas’ competence and integrity not only as a promoter of inter-culture dialogue but also as a development manager given his proven skills as a successful entrepreneur with international connections.
Drilon said in a statement that the LP-K-4 coalition will be fielding a complete slate in the ARMM election to be led by Paglas and his running mate vice gubernatorial candidate Hata Dimaporo of the Dimaporo clan in Lanao del Sur.
Paglas is famous in the Muslim Mindanao region as a 43-year-old business tycoon who successfully built a farming estate in formerly war-torn Central Mindanao areas by promoting inter-faith and inter-culture harmony aside from exhibiting remarkable managerial skills.
Paglas has served as a three term mayor of the Datu Paglas municipality in Maguindanao. He is the grandson of pre-martial law LP Sen. Salipada Pendatun and a nephew of the late Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Chairman Hashim Salamat.
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo earlier decided not to endorse any candidate for the 5th ARMM elections.
The administration K-4 coalition had earlier declared the coming elections a “free zone” and would recognize as official candidates anyone running under the banner of the administration party.
The decision was meant to dispel the misconception that the president was unduly interfering in the polls.
Five prominent political figures, including Paglas, would be running for governor.
Aside from Paglas, they are incumbent ARMM Governor Parouk Hussin, incumbent ARMM Vice-Governor Mahid Mutilan, Basilan Rep. Gerry Salapuddin, Mayor Zaldy Ampatuan of Sharif Aguak, Maguindanao, and Regional Legislative Assembly Speaker Hatimil Hassan.
Ampatuan was initially Malaca?ang’s choice for ARMM governor. He was picked out by a committee headed by Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles.
