This study investigates the role of clientelism ’ the exchange of goods and services for political support ’ in the continuing underdevelopment of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Region-wide survey data are employed to examine the existence of clientelism. Results show that respondents who supported incumbent local executives are more likely to receive higher benefits, access, responsiveness, and greater level of satisfaction from local government. Key informant interviews and focus group discussions reveal that local executives tend to keep their area impoverish and use government resources to sustain clientelistic relationships.