Hatamanand Rody, Leni have proven mettle in empowering the oppressed and marginalized

COTABATO CITY -- Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) on Monday said President-elect Rodrigo Duterte and Vice President-elect Leni Robredo have proven their mettle in empowering the oppressed and marginalized sectors of society.In his congratulatory message to the elected highest and second highest officials of the land, Hataman said both of them have made it a priority to empower the people in their years of public service. We share in their victory, and we find hope in the leadership that President-elect Duterte and Vice President-elect Robredo will bring to the table, Hataman said in a statement released here today. Together, we look forward to bringing this country closer to a future where lasting peace and genuine justice for all is not just an aspiration but a way of life, he added.Hataman said the election of Duterte and Robredo turns another page in Philippine history and the Bangsamoro people as well as the nation have given them mandate to lead the country in the next six years. With a solid track record as local officials, both of them represent an administration that will find its strength in participatory governance and empowered local government units, Hataman, who was reelected as regional governor for his second term, said. Their win, therefore, bears greater significance when placed beside our collective effort towards a national government where regions like the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) can expect their peoples' voices to be heard and where the concerns of those in the regions are part and parcel of the national agenda, he said.Hataman remained hopeful the two leaders will keep their campaign promises to both the Muslims and Christians in Mindanao. Upon taking the helm of the national government, we hope that the commitment of both our president-elect and vice president-elect have expressed during the campaign with regard to the peace process will bear fruit, he said.Hataman was convinced that their leadership translates to further acknowledging the historical injustices committed against the people of Mindanao, to empowering those whose histories are yet to find a place in the national narrative, and to recognizing the rights of the people, including the right to self-determination.