The persistent underdevelopment in Mindanao amid the significant government funding it has received over the years is now the focus of the administration-backed Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas coalition as its members pledged to address the problem.

In a statement, former Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III highlighted the paradox of substantial budgets allocated to Mindanao without corresponding economic progress.

“We know the problem and we know how to address it,” Sotto said. “One of the biggest problems, with due respect to some officials who are decent, is that when you look at past budgets -- including the BARMM (Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) and everything -- the funds going to Mindanao are so large, so it’s puzzling why progress isn’t more evident.”

Sotto also urged voters to hold their local leaders accountable, emphasizing that the solution rests not only with the Alyansa but also with the people’s choice of leaders.

Meantime, House Deputy Majority Leader and former Social Welfare Secretary Erwin Tulfo acknowledged that Mindanao is not being neglected but stressed the need for more focused efforts.

“It’s true that Mindanao isn’t being abandoned,” Tulfo said. “Each congressional district has allocated funds depending on the submitted NEP (National Expenditure Program).”

Recognizing Mindanao as a stronghold of former President Rodrigo Duterte, Tulfo said the Alyansa’s presence signifies a stronger commitment from the current administration. He pledged to push for increased infrastructure projects in Mindanao if elected.

Former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos, on the other hand, pointed to the need to revise the Local Government Code of 1991, which he said limits the capacity of local officials to fund projects. He cited the lack of provincial hospitals, school facilities, and road projects, which local governments struggle to finance.

“The Local Government Code states that the governor is responsible for building a provincial hospital, but not all provinces are wealthy, so the DoH (Department of Health) and the national government should step in,” Abalos said. He vowed to revise the law to ensure smoother funding for local projects.