In a video, Bai Mariam Mangudadatu expressed her objection to the appointment made by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., naming her as officer-in-charge (OIC) of Maguindanao del Sur.
Mangudadatu said she had opposed the designation as she was already elected governor of the said province, adding that she assumed office and performed functions in accordance with Republic Act 1550, GMA News reported.
“With due respect Mr. President, I strongly object and oppose the aforesaid alleged oathtaking because I am the duly elected governor of the said province of Maguindanao,” Mangudadatu, in the video, quoted by GMA News, said.
“And that I have already assumed the office and performed the functions as assumed governor of Maguindanao del Sur according to Republic Act 11550,” she added.
Mangudadatu added that Vice Governor Bai Ainee Sinsuat also assumed the post as governor of Maguindanao del Norte, noting that Sinsuat’s assumption of office was proper and in accordance with the law.
Marcos earlier named Abdulraof A. Macacua and Mangudadatu as OICs of Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur, respectively.
It can be recalled that former President Rodrigo Duterte signed into law a bill seeking to divide Maguindanao into two provinces.
RA 11550 divided the province of Maguindanao into two distinct and independent provinces known as Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur.
Both provinces will have corporate powers and general powers that include having a common seal and having the power to create its sources of revenue and to levy taxes, fees, and charges among others.
Mangudadatu said there was no vacancy”as to require the appointment of any person for the said position.”
“Instead, the President may only appoint new additional member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur provided that it must be recommended by the governor and the congressman based by Republic Act 11550,” she said.
Malacanang has yet to issue a statement.