Election fever tempered at some BARMM areas
In past articles, I wrote about provinces in the Muslim Autonomous Region with hoisted red flags. They are a cause for alarm. Election fever simmers because the protagonists belong to large political clans vying domination.
In Maguindanao, it will be a close electoral contest between and among a long-established political dynasty — Mangudadatu. They belong to a common ancestor but their political rivalry runs deep. We expect a heated race too close to call.
In fact, former congressman Toto Mangudadatu and wife beauty queen Sharifa (both running for Governor — Toto in Maguindanao and Sharifa in Sultan Kudarat pitted against Bai Maryam Mangudadatu and Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu, respectively) have started making the rounds, reaching out and talking to mayors and political elites.
With the notoriety of Maguindanao as the situs of the gory and bloodiest election-related bloodbath in the country, people are apprehensive. However, many hope their being blood relatives will prevail and prevent the rivalry from deteriorating into armed confrontation.
In Tawi-Tawi, it will be a race between moneyed Ysmael Sali, the incumbent governor and comebacking patriarch of a large clan, Sadikul “Dick” Sahali. The nephew of the former is challenging the daughter of the latter and incumbent Ruby Sahali for the lone congressional district. Some say money will dictate the result of the election not the barrel of the gun. The province has no history of electoral violence.
What about the rest of the provinces of BARMM (Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao)? It will be ho-hum and not much excitement for the top positions. Residents are not agog over the election although there may be heated contests for lower positions.
n Basilan, the political clan headed by Deputy Speaker
Mujiv Hataman, is expected to maintain its dominance. Mujiv, who has etched his name in regional and national politics will be reelected congressman, hands down, along with his brother Governor Hadjiman “Jim” Hataman Salliman. There are no political heavyweights of note challenging them.
The Tan family headed by Abdusakur “Sakur” has long exercised political hegemony over Sulu. Their long-enduring dominance will be unperturbed. A major broadsheet reported last month that the Tan family members will run in the 2022 election unopposed. This is not surprising.
The family although dynastic has been receiving plaudits for their service and concern to their constituents over their own interest. These, coupled with their performance will make them a shoo-in for whatever position they will aspire for.
In Lanao Sur, we expect no surprises. The Alonto-Adiong political clan will continue its dominance. There may be wishful challengers claiming close affinity with the First family but they don’t have enough clout, resources and influence to change the political status quo. We haven’t heard complaints from heads of local government units about neglect by the provincial government of their needs and concerns.
The amiable Mamintal “Bombit” Adiong has found the right formula that suits the preference and idiosyncrasies of the residents. In the First Congressional District, three-termer Ansaruddin “Hooky”, brother of Bombit has given way to their first cousin, Regional Parliament Deputy Speaker, Ziaur-Rahhman Alonto Adiong, an intrepid articulate public speaker and effective communicator whose promotion tagline could be “Boses ng Bangsa.”
In the Second District, another first cousin, incumbent Yasser Alonto Balindong will face a rematch with Froxy Macarambon, a young and newbie rising politician whom he narrowly beat in the last polls. With the strong alliance of the Alonto-Adiong and Gandamra in Marawi City, the incumbent mayor, lawyer Majul Gandamra who is on his third and last term is expected to be reelected with nary a problem.
This is the unadulterated objective outlook over the present political and electoral ecology in the BARMM areas.
As mentioned before, developments in national politics can greatly influence local situation.
But even with constant changing development like the dramatic withdrawal of Senator Bong Go as candidate for president which unexpectedly left the ruling party without a standard-bearer, the scenario above-described will not alter substantially.
“In
Lanao Sur, we expect no surprises. The Alonto-Adiong political clan will continue its dominance.
“
Some say money will dictate the result of the election (in Tawi-Tawi) not the barrel of the gun. The province has no history of electoral violence.