Sultan Kudarat, October 7, 2024 – Sultan Kudarat Governor Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu has publicly called for the resignation of Special Assistant to the President Anton Lagdameo, following allegations of harassment and intimidation against local officials. According to Mangudadatu, Lagdameo has been pressuring mayors and officials in Sultan Kudarat to switch their political allegiance to his party, a move the governor described as undue interference in local politics.
The accusations suggest that Lagdameo, a close ally of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., has been coercing local leaders to join his political faction ahead of the upcoming 2025 national elections. The governor, a key political figure in the region, voiced his concerns that such actions undermine the democratic process by manipulating local officials through fear and pressure.
While Lagdameo has yet to issue an official response to these allegations, the accusations have sparked discussions on the boundaries of national political influence in local governance, especially in Mindanao where political clans maintain strong regional control.
Broader Implications and Accusations of Corruption
Governor Pax Mangudadatu’s father, former TESDA Secretary Suharto “Teng” Mangudadatu, has also added weight to the controversy by accusing Lagdameo of misappropriating billions of pesos from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) funds. While specific details regarding this accusation remain sparse, it introduces another layer of complexity to the growing tensions between national and local political players.
These accusations have raised concerns about potential misuse of government resources, especially funds meant for the development and welfare of the Bangsamoro region. If proven true, these claims could further escalate the situation, calling into question the ethical governance of top officials close to the president.
Calls for Resignation and Political Fallout
Governor Mangudadatu’s demand for Lagdameo’s resignation reflects the growing discontent among regional leaders who believe their autonomy is being undermined by national figures seeking to consolidate power. The governor emphasized that local officials should be allowed to serve their constituents without external interference, and that national leaders must respect the independence of provincial governance.
The outcome of this controversy could have a significant impact on the political landscape in Sultan Kudarat and the broader BARMM region. If Lagdameo chooses to remain silent or refutes the allegations, the rift between national and local political forces may deepen, potentially leading to further political instability in the region.
Awaiting Official Response
As of now, Special Assistant to the President Anton Lagdameo has not released an official statement in response to these allegations. However, the unfolding events could have lasting implications on his role within the administration and his political future. Whether or not he steps down, the issue has already drawn attention to the influence of powerful national figures in regional politics.
In the coming days, how both Lagdameo and the Palace respond to the allegations will determine whether this conflict escalates or is resolved through political negotiations.
