MANILA, Philippines - Five Mindanao congressmen on Thursday filed a bill resetting the autonomous Muslim region polls to coincide with the 2010 national and local elections from Aug. 11.
In a press statement, Lanao del Sur Rep. Faysah RPM. Dumarpa (1st district), principal author of House Bill (HB) 4832, said the polls postponement will allow peace talks to proceed between the government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
The coauthors are Maguindanao Rep. Simeon A. Datumanong, Sulu Rep. Munir M. Arbison (2nd district), Anak Mindanao Party-list Rep. Mujiv S. Hataman and Lanao Del Sur Rep. Pangalian M. Balindong (2nd district).
Under HB 4832, the incumbent regional officials will continue to hold office until their successors are elected in 2010.
Ms. Dumarpa claimed the synchronization of elections in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao with the national and local polls will mean less expenditure for the government.
Senator Juan Miguel F. Zubiri earlier said he will file the counterpart bill, but said he will first consult with colleagues to see if the bill will generate enough support.
Meanwhile, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has held successful mock polls using automated machines in Maguindanao province.
"The criteria were met successfully. The speed, accuracy and transmission went off without a hitch," Comelec Spokesman James Arthur B. Jimenez said in an interview.
A total of 564 voters participated in the exercise in the municipalities of Ampatuan, Datu Anggal, Datu Piglas, Datu Piang, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Datu Unsay, Guindulungan, Pagagawan, Shariff Aguak and Talayan.
Smartmatic International with Strategic Alliance Holdings, Inc. will tap the direct recording electronic technology for the province, using touch pad and touch screen. Elizabeth T. Marcelo and Bernard U. Allauigan, BusinessWorld