Zamboanga City, Philippines — May 9, 2025 — The City Council of Zamboanga has passed a resolution declaring political analyst Richard Heydarian persona non grata following his controversial remarks comparing Mindanao’s Human Development Index (HDI) to that of Sub-Saharan Africa.
In Resolution No. 732, approved during the Council’s regular session on April 10, 2025, lawmakers expressed strong disapproval of Heydarian’s statements made during an interview with Cable News Network (CNN). The interview aired in the wake of the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Heydarian, a Manila-based academic and commentator, remarked: “I come from the north of the country wherein the human development index is almost Southern Europe but if you go to Mindanao, their human development index is Sub-Saharan African level.” The statement drew criticism from various sectors in Mindanao, particularly in Zamboanga City, for being both “derogatory and misleading.”
Councilor VP Elago, author of the resolution, argued that the comparison was factually incorrect and harmful to the image of Mindanao. “Mindanao’s HDI currently stands at 0.68, slightly below the national average of 0.71,” Elago stated, “but it is significantly higher than the Sub-Saharan Africa average of 0.55.”
The Council emphasized that Heydarian’s comments unfairly depicted the region and downplayed its progress in socioeconomic development. “Such a narrative misrepresents the realities on the ground and undermines efforts to attract investment, tourism, and confidence in the region’s potential,” the resolution stated.
By declaring Heydarian persona non grata, the City Council sends what it described as “a strong message in defense of the dignity, achievements, and aspirations of the people of Mindanao.”
Heydarian has yet to issue a public response to the resolution.