MANILA, Philippines — The Office of the Ombudsman in Mindanao is being urged to resolve pending administrative and criminal complaints against former Sultan Kudarat governor Suharto “Teng” Mangudadatu as he reportedly seeks a seat in the Bangsamoro Parliament and the region’s chief minister post.
The criminal complaint, filed by Mastura Usman and Nhoraidha Ebus, alleges violations of Republic Act 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and Article 177 of the Revised Penal Code, which penalizes usurpation of authority or official functions.
The separate administrative complaint accuses Mangudadatu of grave misconduct, conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, and violations of provisions of the Local Government Code.
The complaints concern his residency and voter registration after he won the Sultan Kudarat gubernatorial election on May 13, 2019.
According to the complainants, Mangudadatu transferred his residence from Sultan Kudarat to Datu Abdullah Sangki, Maguindanao, on Sept. 27, 2021, and subsequently transferred his voter registration to the same locality.
The case documents cite certifications reportedly issued by Commission on Elections offices in Datu Abdullah Sangki and Intramuros, Manila, in support of the allegations concerning his voter registration.
The complaints have drawn renewed attention amid reports that Mangudadatu is seeking entry into the Bangsamoro Parliament through a party-replacement arrangement as a potential route to the chief minister’s post.
An elected member of the Bangsamoro Parliament, who requested anonymity, said the selection of the region’s chief executive must comply with the law and established parliamentary procedures.
“Coercion, bribery, deception, or other unlawful means must not be allowed to determine the outcome of the Bangsamoro leadership selection process,” the lawmaker said.
The lawmaker warned that any proven attempt to manipulate the selection could undermine the credibility of the Bangsamoro Parliament and public confidence in regional institutions established through the peace process.
Calls for the Ombudsman to act center on the need for a clear resolution of the complaints as the region prepares to select its next chief minister.
Mangudadatu has yet to respond to the allegations.