MANILA, Philippines — Palace moves to postpone the elections in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao could set off a showdown between President Aquino and his relatives from the Cojuangco side who are actively pressing for the holding of the August elections.

Former Tarlac Gov. Margarita “Tingting” Cojuangco, aunt of Aquino, declared in a forum that the cancellation of the elections defeats the purpose of her nephew’s “daang matuwid” (right path) vow.

Cojuangco, who has been a crusader for Muslim Mindanao development, said even her husband, former Rep. Jose “Peping” Cojuangco, is against the move to defer the elections.

Earlier, presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said postponing the elections and holding them in 2013 were among the 17 bills certified urgent by Malacañang.

According to Lacierda, the President would appoint officers in charge (OIC) and require that these OICs no longer run in elections.

During a round-table discussion facilitated by Fr. Eliseo Mercado, executive director of Institute for Autonomy for Governance, last Feb. 11, Mrs. Cojuangco categorically stated before Muslim leaders and other stakeholders that she upholds the rule of law and strongly opposes the postponement of ARMM elections on that basis.

Cojuangco, who currently heads the Philippine Public Safety College, emphasized blatant constitutional and legal flaws of House Bill 3542 authored by Lanao del Sur Rep. Pangalian Balindong.