BASILAN ASPIRANTS. Basilan Governor Hadjiman Hataman-Salliman (right) speaks to reporters after filing his certificate of candidacy (COC) with his son, 2nd District Board Member Jimael Salam (center), at the provincial election office in Isabela City on Friday (Oct. 4, 2024). Vice Mayor Kifli Hataman-Salliman (left), the governor’s youngest son, filed his COC for mayor of Isabela City on Thursday (Oct. 3, 2024). (Photo by Teofilo P. Garcia Jr.)
ISABELA CITY, Basilan – Governor Hadjiman Hataman-Salliman led the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) candidates in filing their certificates of candidacy (COCs) on Friday, as he seeks the vice gubernatorial post of Basilan in the 2025 midterm elections.
Salliman’s son, Jimael Salam, currently serving as a 2nd District Board Member, filed his COC for governor under the PFP.
The younger Salliman, a lawyer, pledged to continue his father’s legacy, which he said has transformed Basilan into a safer and more progressive province in the past nine years.
“Under the leadership of Governor Jim (the governor’s nickname), we have implemented numerous projects and programs focused on peace and development,” Jimael said in an interview. “We aim to further elevate these services, particularly in the agriculture sector.”
The elder Salliman stated that his decision to run for vice governor alongside his son’s gubernatorial candidacy aligns with his belief in continuing the initiatives he has started.
“I will respect the people’s decision and honor whoever is elected as the next governor,” he said.
Also on Friday, incumbent Vice Governor Yusop Alano filed his COC for congressman under the PFP banner. All provincial board member aspirants have also submitted their COCs.
A day earlier, Isabela City Vice Mayor Kifli Hataman-Salliman, the youngest son of the governor, filed his COC for mayor. His running mate, Provincial Board Member Moumar Muarip, who is in his last term, also filed his COC for vice mayor along with their full slate for the city council.
Kifli, an engineer, cited the need to expand the city proper to create space for new businesses, which would help generate local jobs. (PNA)
