GMA okays deferment of ARMM plebiscite

Without the traditional ceremonies held at Malacañang, President Arroyo quietly signed into law Republic Act 9140 which postponed the scheduled June 30 plebiscite and Sept. 10 elections in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

President Arroyo signed RA 9140 last June 22. It was supposed to take effect upon publication in at least two national newspapers of general circulation and one local newspaper of general circulation at the ARMM, composed of the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Tawi-Tawi and Sulu.

RA 9140, a copy of which was obtained by The STAR was approved by the Senate and the House last June 5 and 7, respectively, before both chambers of the 11th Congress adjourned sine die their regular sessions.

The new law re-set the June 30 plebiscite in the ARMM to "not later than Aug. 15, 2001."

On the other hand, the new law postponed the regular elections for the regional governor, vice governor, and members of the Regional Legislative Assembly originally set this Sept. 10, to Nov. 26 this year.

RA 9140 mandated all incumbent ARMM officials led by Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) chairman Nur Misuari to continue in office pursuant to existing laws and until their successors shall have been duly elected and qualified. – Marichu Villanueva