Koronadal City, South Cotabato—Political tensions in South Cotabato have escalated following claims that Teng Mangudadatu allegedly offered Php 500 million to Congressman Peter B. Miguel to run against incumbent Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr. in the upcoming elections.
Despite these allegations, Congressman Miguel has vehemently denied the claim, stating that no such offer was made. To further prove his intention not to run for governor, Miguel has already filed his candidacy to seek re-election as a congressman. Instead of vying for the gubernatorial seat, he endorsed his wife as a candidate for governor.
This decision, however, has not been well received by some residents, who expressed disappointment due to concerns about the lack of political experience of Miguel’s wife. Many voters fear that her candidacy could weaken the opposition against Gov. Tamayo, leaving them without a strong contender in the upcoming elections.
Meanwhile, tensions continue to rise between Mangudadatu and Gov. Tamayo. Mangudadatu has been vocal about his criticisms of Tamayo’s administration, particularly regarding issues of governance and the allocation of provincial funds. This growing rivalry has fueled political divisions in the region, with supporters on both sides becoming more active as the election approaches.
The alleged offer of Php 500 million, despite being denied, has added another layer of controversy to the already heated political landscape in South Cotabato. Local political observers believe that the coming months will be crucial in determining the future of leadership in the province, as alliances are solidified and new accusations emerge.
As the 2025 elections draw nearer, residents of South Cotabato are bracing for what could be a highly contentious political battle between the camps of Tamayo and Mangudadatu, with both sides working to secure their influence in the province. The Philippine National Police (PNP) and other local authorities are closely monitoring the situation to ensure that the elections remain peaceful and orderly amid the rising tensions.
