Hataman to Mastura: Thanks for endorsing, but…

Ferdinandh Cabrera

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Mujiv Hataman, the Liberal Party's bet for ARMM governor, says he cannot promise to return the favor of endorsing UNA's Maguindanao gubernatorial bet Tucao Mastura

LP BET. ARMM Gov Mujiv Hataman addresses the public in a forum in Cotabato City. Photo by Ferdinandh Cabrera

Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao — Appointed Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Gov Mujiv Hataman, who is seeking a mandate in the May polls, got the surprise of his life when Mayor Datu Tucao Mastura of Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, endorsed him on Thursday, May 2.

They belong to rival parties — Hataman is with the Liberal Party, while Mastura is running for Maguindanao governor under the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA).

Hataman welcomed the endorsement, but cautioned the UNA bet against expecting him to return the favor.

In an interview with reporters during a candidates forum in Cotabato City on Friday, May 3, Hataman said: “Kahit nga yung text na minumura ako nagpapasalamat pa ako. Ano na lang kaya yung mayroong sumusuporta sa akin?” (Even those who send text messages cursing me, I thank them. What more those who support me?)

Kagulat-gulat ‘yun dahil kontra-partido sila. Hindi ko naman tatanggihan pero very firm ako meron akong sariling partido at meron kaming sariling kandidato,” he added. (That’s surprising because they belong to the rival party. I will not refuse but I have also been very firm that I have my own party and we have our own candidate.) 

Mastura is running for governor of Maguindanao against LP bet, incumbent governor Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu. 

Meanwhile, Hataman’s fiercest rival for the ARMM’s top post is Pax Mangudadatu, Toto’s uncle. 

Mastura, a brother of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) senior peace panel member Michael Mastura, earlier said he decided to support Hataman due to his firm support for the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro. 

Despite his links to the MILF, Mastura has maintained that the MILF is not supporting his bid as an organization. 

Earlier in the campaign period, the MILF imposed a “hands off” policy on the elections. Members said they will not endorse any candidates. – Rappler.com

 

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