On Wednesday, BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim issued a statement denying allegations that Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Antonio Lagdameo Jr. had any involvement in the implementation of development projects in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The statement comes amid corruption allegations linked to Lagdameo.
In a virtual press conference, Ebrahim clarified that the budget for BARMM’s development projects follows a “standard but rigorous process of lawmaking and appropriations,” with regular audits conducted by national government agencies. He emphasized that Secretary Lagdameo had no participation in these projects as they do not pass through his office.
Ebrahim also highlighted the strict measures implemented by BARMM to ensure “moral governance free from corruption.” He reiterated that his office remains open to transparency and welcomes audits from the Commission on Audit (COA) to ensure that the BARMM budget is properly managed in line with the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.
The statement followed a series of accusations by former TESDA Secretary Suharto Mangudadatu, who claimed there was budget siphoning between Lagdameo and BARMM for regional projects. Ebrahim refuted these allegations, calling them “fabricated” and ill-intentioned, designed to tarnish the reputation of the Bangsamoro Government.
“These accusations are propaganda aimed at influencing public perception against BARMM,” Ebrahim said.
He further pointed to the region’s economic growth as evidence of BARMM’s proper governance. The region’s gross regional domestic product (GRDP) rose from ₱280.3 billion in 2022 to ₱292.2 billion in 2023, driven by growth in services, agriculture, forestry, fishing, and industry sectors. This development also led to a 2.2% increase in per capita GRDP, reaching ₱58,217, up from ₱56,970 the previous year.
The Chief Minister reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that BARMM remains on a path of sustainable and transparent development.
