Supporters of SB 2756 mostly represented by the Reform ARMM Now (RAN) argued that the time has come for reforms in the ARMM, saying previous elections which were marred by irregularities to start with, have failed to bring significant development in the region.
“Give us 21 months to institute genuine reforms in the ARMM in the transition Aquino government,” appealed Samira Ali Gutoc of RAN.
“Election in the ARMM as proven in previous exercises without the necessary reforms in place will not serve its purpose. Armed groups are not even participating. It does not bring democracy,” said RAN convener Salic Ibrahim.
But the three senators were not convinced.
Marcos asked how postponing the elections and appointing OICs could bring in reforms.
Zubiri said that he was at a loss on the manner of appointments and on who will be appointed.
Gutoc said that reforms can be hastened if reform-minded and capable professionals from the ARMM are appointed and are directly accountable to Malacanang.
Escudero, however, said that “the essence of election in democracies is that magaling ka man o hindi, kung ikaw ang binoto nga nakakarami, siya ang naninilbihan sa gobyerno,” (it is not about who is good and who is not, but if a person is voted by the people, he or she will serve government).||| |||buy arava online with |||
He also said that previous failures in the ARMM and the attendant violence in elections should not be used as an argument for the postponement of the exercise.
Escudero, an Aquino ally, added that as things look now in the proposed bill, “I am not ready to give the President a blank check on who to appoint in acting capacity in the ARMM.”
Prof. Said Malik of the I am for Peace and Development – Mindanao (IPAD Mindanao) said that although the intention of the senators in insisting on pushing through with the elections is to preserve the autonomy of the ARMM, they may have missed the point of the calls for reforms.||| |||buy tobradex online with |||
