Philippine vice governor-elect faces pressure to stay after vow to reisgn if brother wins

DAVAO CITY (May 23)—A high-profile political standoff is unfolding in the southern Philippine province of Basilan after Vice Governor-elect Jim Salliman-Hataman, a three-term former governor, vowed to resign following the election of his brother, Mujiv Hataman, as governor.

Salliman pledged during the 2025 midterm campaign season, declaring that he would not serve as vice governor under Mujiv Hataman, his longtime political rival and sibling. The two represented opposing political camps in one of the most emotionally charged gubernatorial races in recent Mindanao history.

Mujiv Hataman, a former congressman and one-time governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), defeated Salliman’s son, lawyer Jay Salliman, by a narrow margin. Despite this, Jim Salliman secured the vice gubernatorial post in a separate vote, leading to a scenario where brothers, once adversaries, are now poised to share the top two executive posts in Basilan’s provincial government.

With the June 30 assumption of office fast approaching, Salliman is under mounting pressure to rescind his promise to resign. A grassroots campaign led by local officials has gained traction across the province, urging the incoming vice governor to stay and serve his mandate.

A “Manifesto of Support and Appeal” is circulating throughout Basilan, calling on Salliman to reconsider his plan to step down. The campaign has gained wide political backing, with eight mayors, a sitting congressman, and multiple provincial board members, vice mayors, and councilors affixing their signatures.

“The path ahead will not be easy,” the manifesto reads. “But it is precisely during moments like this when true leadership is needed most. We plead with you: remain steadfast. Basilan needs your strength, vision, and ability to inspire unity where division once reigned.”

The signatories argue that Salliman’s continued presence in the provincial government is essential for fostering post-election stability and bridging political divides. They also frame his decision as symbolic of leadership sacrifice, asking him to uphold the people’s vote and resist personal or political pride.

During the campaign, Jim Salliman publicly declared that he would not serve under a Hataman-led administration if his brother were elected. The statement was widely interpreted as a political vow and a reflection of deep-seated divisions between two dominant political clans. The Hataman and Salliman families have alternated leadership roles in Basilan for decades, but the 2025 race marked the first time their rivalry became intra-family and direct.

Many saw Salliman’s pledge to resign as a gesture of political principle—an unwillingness to work under an administration he fundamentally opposed. However, critics say the promise, made in the heat of a contentious election, may now undermine the democratic process if fulfilled.

“Democracy is about respecting the people’s vote,” said one local official supporting the manifesto. “Vice Governor-elect Salliman was elected by the same people who voted for Mujiv Hataman. The people have spoken, and their decision should be respected.”

The post-election atmosphere in Basilan remains tense but hopeful. In his victory address, Governor-elect Mujiv Hataman called for unity and reconciliation, stating, “Politics is over. The time for healing must begin.” He has not publicly commented on his brother’s resignation plans but is widely expected to support a functional working relationship in the interest of governance.

If Salliman resigns, the vice gubernatorial post will be filled by the highest-ranking member of the Provincial Board, which could shift political alignments and affect governance continuity.

Observers say the situation highlights the broader challenges of dynastic politics in the Philippines, where family loyalties, political rivalries, and electoral mandates often collide unexpectedly.

Jim Salliman has not issued a formal statement on whether he will follow through with his resignation pledge. The growing calls for him to stay—echoed by officials and civil society groups—indicate that public sentiment favors stability over campaign rhetoric.

With weeks remaining before Basilan’s new leaders are sworn in, the province awaits a decision that may define not just its future politics but also its commitment to democratic resilience and reconciliation.