MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang recognizes that officials of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) would have to remain in a holdover capacity until the Supreme Court decides on the constitutionality of Republic Act 10153, that synchronizes the ARMM polls with the 2013 elections.
"'Pag wala pong decision ang Supreme Court, since we cannot appoint OICs, we are bound to respect the holdovers muna. Magkakaroon po ng holdover muna until the Supreme Court decides on the constitutionality of the ARMM postponement law," Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said.
The Supreme Court has prohibited the implementation of RA No. 10153, including the appointment of OICs by President Benigno Aquino III, pending a ruling on the merits of consolidated petitions assailing the law's constitutionality.
The high court directed incumbent ARMM officials to serve in holdover capacity "until their replacements are elected or qualified as decided by the high tribunal."