COTABATO CITY – Warning that public trust in the Bangsamoro government has been “seriously eroded” by the controversy surrounding some ₱2.247 billion in questioned transactions involving the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education, Bangsamoro Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua has written Minister Mohagher Iqbal to resign immediately or be “deemed resigned” at the closing office hour on May 18, 2026.
Macacua said the move is necessary to preserve the Moro Islamic Liberation Front as an institution and protect the credibility of the BARMM government.
The resignation call was conveyed through a formal communication from the Office of the Chief Minister dated May 11, 2026 which cited multiple findings flagged by the Commission on Audit involving procurement transactions and disbursements under the education ministry.
According to the OCM, the audit observations pointed to serious deficiencies and possible violations of procurement regulations that allegedly involved billions of pesos in government funds.
Among the findings cited were 53 contracts amounting to approximately ₱1.95 billion which, according to the OCM, were allegedly awarded despite issues involving misrepresentation in omnibus sworn statements that should have resulted in the disqualification of certain bidders under existing procurement rules.
The OCM also cited alleged failures to impose liquidated damages on delayed projects, questions on the eligibility of joint venture arrangements, and the late posting of required performance securities by certain contractors involved in procurement activities.
In another major audit finding, the OCM said at least 73 disbursement vouchers amounting to around ₱2.247 billion were reportedly processed and fully paid despite the absence of several mandatory procurement documents required under government auditing and procurement regulations.
The Chief Minister’s office further warned that the initial notices of disallowance already issued by COA may only be the beginning, noting that more notices of disallowance could still follow as state auditors continue their review of the transactions.
Macacua’s camp maintained that the issue has gone beyond ordinary administrative concerns, saying the controversy now threatens the integrity and moral authority of the Bangsamoro government at a time when BARMM is expected to demonstrate transparency, accountability, and good governance.
Macacua’s decisive action was believed to be necessary not only to address the audit controversy but also to prevent further damage to the image of the MILF-led regional government.
“The preservation of the MILF as an institution is paramount. The leadership must act in a way that protects the credibility of the Bangsamoro government and reassures the public that accountability mechanisms are working,” said a member of the interim parliament.
The OCM also stressed that the gains achieved under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro must not be overshadowed by allegations of corruption or misuse of public funds, warning that lingering doubts over accountability could weaken public confidence in the peace process itself.
Same parliament member added that the road to peace and normalization in the Bangsamoro region must remain free from any perception of irregularity, emphasizing that moral governance is among the core commitments embodied in the CAB and in the transition to autonomous self-rule.
The Chief Minister’s camp further argued that an independent and impartial investigation by COA and other oversight bodies would be best undertaken if the respondent education minister voluntarily vacates his post to remove any perception of influence, interference, or conflict during the conduct of the audit and fact-finding process.
According to the OCM, temporarily relinquishing the position would help assure the public that the investigation is being conducted fairly and transparently, while also protecting the integrity of the institutions involved in the Bangsamoro transition government.
Iqbal, however, reportedly refused to step down, insisting that the COA findings remain preliminary and do not automatically establish criminal or administrative liability.
The education minister also reportedly argued that no criminal case has yet been filed against him and that the principles of due process and presumption of innocence must be respected throughout the audit and investigation process. (END)
