MANILA, Philippines — Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua has asked Minister Mohagher Iqbal to resign immediately in the face of controversy surrounding some P2.247 billion in questionable transactions involving the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Macacua said Iqbal will be “deemed resigned” at the closing office hour on May 18, 2026 if he does not submit his resignation letter.
He warned that public trust in the BARMM government has been “seriously eroded” by the controversy.
Macacua said Iqbal’s resignation 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 P1.95 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.
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 P2.247 billion were reportedly processed and fully paid despite the absence of several mandatory procurement documents required under government auditing and procurement regulations.
Macacua’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 said that the issue has gone beyond ordinary administrative concerns, as 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.
