The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) has expressed dismay over the low budget allocation for Mindanao and raised concerns about the alleged anomalies in flood control projects.

In a statement, MinDA Secretary Leo Tesoro Magno said the agency has been pushing to secure a fair and equitable share of the national budget, but Mindanao only gets 15 percent despite being a key contributor to national development.

It can be recalled that during the budget deliberation of the House Committee on Appropriations with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on August 18, 2025, Cagayan de Oro Second District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez questioned the decline in Mindanao’s budget share for 2026, which is only 15.4 percent compared to the 16.6 percent share in 2022.

Rodriguez said this shows that Mindanao’s development remains a low priority despite its economic potential and rich natural resources.

However, DBM maintained that several nationwide programs such as the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), social protection programs, and foreign assistance projects are being implemented in Mindanao.

“It is deeply disgusting to now discover that while Mindanao is forced to make do with so little, billions – if not trillions – are being siphoned off through anomalous flood control projects and questionable insertions,” Magno said.

He said the alleged stolen resources could have been used to build much-needed infrastructures in Mindanao, including roads, bridges, seaports, airports, energy systems, and schools.

“Every peso lost to corruption is a peso denied to the progress of our farmers, fisherfolk, students, and communities,” he added.

MinDA also supported the investigation into what it called massive corruption scandal.

“The Filipino people, especially the long-suffering people of Mindanao, deserve nothing less than the truth and accountability. This is not only about corruption – it is about justice, equity, and the future of our nation. We must put an end to this cycle of plunder and neglect,” Magno said.

Meanwhile, Romeo Vasquez, chief of the Consumer Protection Rights of the Department of Trade and Industry-Davao (DTI-11) and was formerly assigned at the Business Development Division of DTI-Davao del Sur, said corruption must be wiped out as this could affect investments and development.

“It affects investment, what we call investor confidence isa sa nagapa-turn off sa investors if naay corruption. Mga red tapes tuyuon og dugay dugay ang pagprocess because kailangan og you know,” Vasquez said.

DTI has been working with local government units by guiding and helping them facilitate and attract investments.

“That’s why DTI in coordination with board of investment and MinDA we are capacitating LGUs improve the way they facilitate their investments and setup the necessary policies,” Vasquez added.