DAVAO CITY – Mindanao Development Authority Chairman Secretary Leo Tereso Magno decried on Monday, Sept. 8, the “minimal share” that Mindanao receives from the national budget.

Some lawmakers last year urged Congress to provide the agency with a bigger budget during deliberations on the 2025 General Appropriations Bill for its key contributions to the region’s socioeconomic progress.

However, Magno said Mindanao continues to receive only around 15 percent of the annual budget despite being home to roughly a quarter of the Philippine population and contributing significantly to national development.

“My heart truly bleeds for Mindanao,” he said in a statement. “For years, the MinDA has been fighting to secure a fair and equitable share of the national budget. Yet until today, Mindanao continues to receive only around 15 percent.”

As the controversial flood control projects and the minimal share of Mindanao in the national budget continue, the MinDA supported President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call to look into alleged anomalies.

The official described as “deeply disgusting” revelations that billions—if not trillions—of pesos may have been siphoned off through anomalous flood control projects and questionable budget insertions.

Magno said the funds lost to corruption could have been used to build infrastructure that Mindanao badly needs – roads, bridges, ports, airports, energy systems, and schools.

“Every peso lost to corruption is a peso denied to the progress of our farmers, fisherfolk, students, and communities, particularly here in Mindanao,” Magno said.

He added that the issue is “not only about corruption but also about justice, equity, and the nation’s future,” stressing that Mindanao has long been “forced to make do with crumbs while corruption elsewhere feasts on billions.”

Magno urged authorities to ensure accountability: “The Filipino people, especially the long-suffering people of Mindanao, deserve nothing less than the truth and accountability.”