Hataman says ARMM reform agenda continues to bear fruit

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, April 14 (PIA) -- The bureaucratic reforms introduced in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) yielded unprecedented savings and have put a stop on influence peddling and other anomalous practices that have come to define ARMM. 

This was emphasized by ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman in his presentation during the visit of President Benigno S. Aqino III to Cotabato City, Friday. 

The President made his first ever visit to the seat of the ARMM government to check on the reforms being instituted by his appointed caretakers in the 23-year old regional institution. 

He listened to a 15-minute presentation that highlighted the remarkable performance of the region’s caretaker administration in its 15 months in office. 

During his visit, Hataman provided a rundown of ongoing projects and the overall status of reforming the institution that has been previously dubbed as a “failed experiment” by President Aquino. 

The regional caretaker cited the savings generated by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in the region from its 2012 budget, which amounts to P136.362 million, through fiscal prudence and the enforcement of open and competitive biddings. 

The savings were not pocketed, Hataman said, but used by the agency to procure 13 heavy equipment and 15 motor vehicles and nine survey instruments. 

DPWH-ARMM Secretary Emil Sadain said the acquisition was first of its kind in 22 years. 

“Wala ng palakasan, wala ng lagayan (No more influence peddling, no more bribery),” he said. 

Hataman said the regional government no longer allows the hiring and promotion of employees based on influence or reasons that do not warrant their qualification. 

A special screening board has been set up to oversee hiring and promotion in the regional government, he said. 

Hataman further said the reforms they started are primarily meant to curb corruptions in the region, but, apparently, they have also caused the optimization of government funds. 

“The president supported the deferment of the scheduled ARMM elections in 2011 to make way for needed reforms in the ARMM. Now, key improvements are starting to take hold a year and three months after his appointed officials took on the regional leadership,” a civil society organization (CSO) worker observed. (ARMM Comm Group/PIA10)