DAVAO CITY – Special Assistant to the President Antonio Ernesto Lagdameo Jr. and South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo Jr., president of the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, have denounced the corruption allegations leveled against the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
Lagdameo and Tamayo, in a joint statement on Wednesday, October 9, “categorically denied the baseless accusations that the funds intended for the BARMM have been misappropriated or that politicians are being coerced to join the administration.”
Lagdameo and Tamayo aired the response came after former Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Secretary Suharto “Teng” Mangudadatu urged the SAP to address the allegations that he has been misappropriating funds intended for the development of BARMM.
Mangudadatu said that the funds meant for BARMM are allegedly going to Lagdameo, resulting in incomplete or substandard projects in their region. He called on Lagdameo to clear his name as Mangudadatu would prove his words.
Sultan Kudarat Gov. Datu Ali Pax Mangudadatu also criticized Lagdameo for allegedly interfering in the local elections. He said the SAP's actions have caused confusion and disorder in the political landscape of the BARMM.
A video was released by Mangudadatu's camp on Monday, October 7, where he also said that there were threats to remove anyone opposing Lagdameo from their positions.
“The allegations are false and malicious, intended to mislead the public. As Special Assistant to the President, I uphold transparency, accountability, and integrity in every aspect of my duties,” Lagdameo said.
He said the allocation and utilization of funds for BARMM follow legal, transparent processes designed to ensure that they are used exclusively for the development and inclusive growth of the region and its people.
Tamayo also said that as governor of South Cotabato and president of the PFP, he has focused on building partnerships based on shared goals for the country’s advancement. He added that they do not engage in tactics that weaken democracy or the political freedom of local officials.
“We invite those making these claims to present any evidence rather than resort to unfounded statements that distract from the mission of serving the Filipino people. We remain committed to the administration’s unity, progress, and prosperity agenda for all, including BARMM,” he said.
Members of the House of Representatives from Northern Mindanao on Thursday, October 10, expressed support for Lagdameo amid the corruption accusations hurled against him.
“It’s unfortunate that in the highly politicized environment we operate in, such false and malicious accusations are often used as weapons to discredit public servants,” they said.
They vowed to remain united in support of Lagdameo and the administration’s goals. “We refuse to allow such distractions to disrupt the path of progress.”
BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim and other key leaders from Mindanao have also denied the claim, affirming that no coercion or harassment has taken place. He called the allegations “libelous, fabricated, and filled with ill intent.”
Ebrahim said the gathering of the BARMM mayors and other prominent leaders in Davao City earlier this month was generally peaceful and admiring. He added that no undue pressure was exerted on any official.