MAGUINDANAO (Mindanao Examiner / Apr. 13, 2013) – In an opening salvo of the Liberal Party’s Friday rally in Maguindanao province, Buluan Mayor Jong Mangudadatu has assured victory to President Benigno Aquino’s senatorial and regional candidates in the May elections.
Mangudadatu foresees an 80% win in Maguindanao for the Team PNoy senatorial slate. “Aba eh kung tataasan pa ninyo ang 80% na iyan, aba eh hindi po ako magagalit sa inyo,” said Aquino, who was present during the rally.
Team PNoy admitted the 12-0 senatorial victory is impossible since the people of the province will be enjoying the full extent of a genuine democracy to choose their candidates.
Among the senatorial candidates who also attended the rally were Loren Legarda, Riza Baraquel, Aquilino Pimentel, Bam Aquino, Sonny Angara and Ramon Magsaysay, Jr. Interior Secretary Mar Roxas was also present along with other Cabinet officials.
In his speech, Aquino recalled that he only got 13 votes in one of the election returns in 2007 while the senatorial line-up of then President Gloria Arroyo won 12-0 in Maguindanao. He said unlike in the previous administration which was marred with fraud, the midterm polls shall be decided by the people.
Aquino has strongly endorsed all his local allies – incumbent Maguindanao Governor Esmael Mangudadatu as well as ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman, who is running as regional governor. “Your progress will depend on whoever you elect, if you want ARMM to prosper you will do nothing but to vote for Mujiv, and that is part of your contribution to reform,” he told about 70,000 people who attended the rally.
Aquino described Hataman as the “real ghost-buster” in combating corruption who pushed hard in reforming the ARMM. Aquino said he is confident with Hataman in the ARMM, saying the government’s money goes to the right projects and the right implementers, adding the region have no more “ghost” schools, roads, bridges or buildings, and the money spent for the benefit of the people and not hidden in personal bank accounts.
He also praised Mangudadatu for his strength to move on despite his sufferings and for working sincerely to unite the province rather than seek revenge for the killings of his wife and sister and supporters in the infamous Maguindanao massacre in 2009.
“Toto (Esmael) is the light that brought change to Maguindanao, he did the right way and championed his efforts to promote peace and stability by working to settle rido (disputes), and pursued education with his Mag(uindanao) Peace scholarship and implementation of health programs and initiatives to rural areas with the distribution of Philhealth card, and now you have a Seal of Good Housekeeping,” Aquino said. (Ferdinandh Cabrera)
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