Bangsamoro Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua has directed Education Minister Mohagher Iqbal to submit his resignation by Monday, May 18, or be considered “deemed resigned,” following Commission on Audit (COA) observations on transactions under the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE).
In a memorandum issued by the Office of the Chief Minister dated May 11, Macacua cited COA observations covering procurement and disbursement activities amounting to over ₱2.2 billion.
Based on the document, 53 contracts worth about ₱1.95 billion were flagged in relation to procurement documentation and compliance requirements, including issues on bidders’ submissions, contract implementation, and procurement procedures.
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The memorandum also cited 73 disbursement vouchers totaling around ₱2.247 billion that were reportedly processed and paid despite the lack of certain supporting documents required under government auditing and procurement rules.
The Office of the Chief Minister said the matter raises concerns on accountability and public trust, and stressed the need to uphold transparency in the Bangsamoro government.
It added that addressing audit observations is necessary to sustain governance reforms under the Bangsamoro peace process and maintain public confidence in regional institutions.
Iqbal has previously said he will not resign, saying COA observations are preliminary and do not automatically establish liability.
He also stressed the importance of due process and the presumption of innocence while the findings are being reviewed and validated.
