Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua has asked education minister Mohagher Iqbal to resign immediately over controversies involving some P2.247 billion in questioned transactions flagged by the Commission on Audit (COA).
Macacua warned Iqbal that the issue threatens public trust in the Bangsamoro government.
In a formal communication from the Office of the Chief Minister dated May 11, 2026, Macacua told Iqbal to step down or be “deemed resigned” by the close of office hours on May 18, 2026 (Monday).
Macacua said the move was necessary to preserve the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) as an institution and protect the credibility of the BARMM government.
Iqbal, however, reportedly refused to resign, maintaining that the COA findings are still preliminary and do not automatically establish criminal or administrative liability.
Reports said the education minister argued that no criminal case has been filed against him and that due process and the presumption of innocence must be respected throughout the audit and investigation process.
According to the Office of the Chief Minister (OCM), audit findings cited multiple procurement and disbursement issues involving the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education.
Among the findings were 53 contracts worth about P1.95 billion that were allegedly awarded despite issues involving misrepresentation in omnibus sworn statements that should have disqualified certain bidders under procurement rules.
The OCM also cited alleged failures to impose liquidated damages on delayed projects, questions surrounding the eligibility of joint venture arrangements, and the late posting of required performance securities by contractors involved in procurement activities.
In a separate audit finding, the OCM said at least 73 disbursement vouchers amounting to about P2.247 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 warned that the notices of disallowance already issued by COA may only be the beginning, with more notices potentially forthcoming as state auditors continue reviewing the transactions.
Macacua’s camp said the controversy has gone beyond ordinary administrative concerns and now threatens the integrity and moral authority of the Bangsamoro government.
It said 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, it added.
The OCM also stressed that the gains achieved under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro should not be overshadowed by allegations of corruption or misuse of public funds.
It added that said the peace and normalization process in the Bangsamoro region must remain free from any perception of irregularity, noting that moral governance is among the core commitments embodied in the peace agreement and the transition to autonomous self-rule.
The Chief Minister’s camp argued that an independent and impartial investigation by COA and other oversight bodies would be easier to conduct if Iqbal voluntarily vacates his post to avoid any perception of influence or interference.
According to the OCM, temporarily relinquishing the position would help assure the public that the investigation is being conducted fairly and transparently while protecting the integrity of institutions involved in the Bangsamoro transition government.
