By Jim Lloyd Dongiapon
Mohajeran “Odjie” Balayman on Tuesday, October 18, was sworn in as the new mayor of the municipality of Pandag, Maguindanao del Sur, following last week’s court decision favoring his electoral protest against Khadafeh “Toy” Mangudadatu.
Balayman took his oath of office before Maguindanao del Sur Governor Bai Mariam Sangki Mangudadatu.
The ceremony was witnessed by his supporters, municipal mayors of the province, led by the League of Municipalities in the Philippines (LMP) Provincial President, General Salipada K. Pendatun Mayor Rafsanjani Ali, and Maguindanao del Sur Representative Tong Paglas.
He once again thanked the governor and her spouse, former Sultan Kudarat Governor Datu Suharto “Teng” Mangudadatu, and his constituents for supporting him in his mayoral bid.
He promised his constituents that he would implement programs for their municipality’s development, including establishing a commercial center and infrastructure projects.
It could be recalled that the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 15 in Cotabato City, presided over by Judge Annabelle Piang, released its decision on Friday, October 14, in favor of Balayman’s protest that covered 23 precincts.
The court found out after the recounting of votes that Balayman got 2,470 votes compared to Toy Mangudadatu’s 2,070, which was enough for him to win the mayoral race.
However, Mangudadatu’s camp can still contest the decision as they have been given five (5) days to file a motion for reconsideration.
The unseated mayor has not yet released any statement regarding the matter.