NEGROS BEAT
By ERWIN ‘AMBO’ DELILAN
ONE OF the more intriguing topics making rounds in Negros Occidental’s elite circles these days is the alleged falling-out between President Bongbong Marcos and his longtime best friend, Special Assistant to the President Anton Lagdameo.
Both Bongbong and Anton share deep ties with powerful hacienderos and seasoned politicians in Negros Occidental, especially in its capital, Bacolod City. That’s why any hint of a rift between the two is a matter of concern — if not fascination — for affluent Negrenses and Bacoleños.
But is there truth to it, or is this just rumor?
And if it is true, how might it ripple through the local political and social landscape of Negros and Bacolod?
BARMM ISSUE
Sources close to the administration suggest that the alleged tension between Bongbong and Anton stems from a sensitive financial issue involving the budget for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
BARMM is composed of the provinces of Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi. It also includes Cotabato City and 63 barangays in North Cotabato.
So what’s the fuss?
The powerful Mangudadatu clan — longtime political players in BARMM — are reportedly protesting Anton’s alleged interference in the region’s affairs.
Former Sultan Kudarat Governor Suharto “Teng” Mangudadatu, his wife Mariam, and their son Pax Ali are said to be openly opposing Anton, citing concerns over BARMM’s P80-billion annual allocation.
The key questions now are:
* Will the Mangudadatus’ accusations hold water?
* Can Bongbong afford to cut ties with someone so central to his political inner circle?
‘Closeness Overload’
It’s worth emphasizing that beyond politics, Bongbong and Anton have shared a brother-like bond since childhood.
Anton is the grandson of the late Antonio Floirendo, famously dubbed the “Banana King of Mindanao” and known as one of President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.’s closest cronies.
The bond between Bongbong and Anton runs deep — arguably too deep to easily fracture. Recall that upon taking office in July 2022, President Marcos said of his decision to appoint Anton as SAP: “We’ve asked Anton to fill in that position (Special Assistant to the President). It’s very sensitive and very important in the sense that we have known each other since he was a child.”
He further added: “Anton knows me very well. He has been with us, working with me for the past 10 years. It should be an easy position for him to pick up.”
That kind of trust is rare.
Shake-Up
However, recent developments in BARMM suggest that the situation may be more precarious than it seems.
The appointment of Abdulraof Macacua as interim Chief Minister — replacing the well-regarded Murad Ebrahim — just ahead of BARMM’s first parliamentary elections set for October 13, 2025, has stirred controversy.
And Anton has not escaped scrutiny. He has become the subject of negative publicity, with the backlash even reaching Bacolod and Negros.
But just how damaging is this campaign against him among Bacoleños and Negrenses?
Power and Influence
Let’s be frank — so long as Anton remains SAP, effectively the President’s right-hand man, many politicians and businessmen in Bacolod and Negros stand to benefit from the power and influence he wields.
So whether or not the rumored rift between Bongbong and Anton is true, the speculation alone is causing quite a stir among the local elite.
Be Candid
At this point, Anton has little choice but to be transparent. With BARMM’s key figures openly calling for his removal, this is no minor issue.
He must speak up and clarify the P80-billion BARMM budget, which has been under scrutiny since 2022.
He must also help restore the waning popularity of President Marcos in Mindanao — a known Duterte stronghold.
If Anton fails to address the issue effectively, the current “souring” of his relationship with the President could escalate into a full-blown case of resentment.
And should that bitterness grow, it could deal a significant blow to anyone President Marcos endorses for 2028—especially in Mindanao.
If that happens, Anton may well be the one held responsible.
Can he afford that?
Hope and Wish
For now, pro-Anton Bacoleños and Negrenses are holding onto hope — that the rumors of a falling-out are just that: rumors.
Their wish? That Anton stays on as SAP until Bongbong finishes his term in 2028.
But Anton now finds himself in the eye of a political storm, and he must face it head-on. Bacoleños and Negrenses are waiting — eager to hear his side of the BARMM controversy.
If not today, then maybe tomorrow — or the day after./PN
