MANILA — Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua has ordered the preparation of criminal and administrative complaints before the Office of the Ombudsman against former Education Minister Mohagher Iqbal following findings contained in a Commission on Audit (COA) special audit report.
The move stems from alleged irregularities involving the procurement of learning and training materials worth approximately P2.2 billion under the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE).
In a letter explaining his decision, Macacua said referring the audit findings to the Ombudsman is intended to ensure accountability while allowing Iqbal to address the allegations through the proper legal process.
Macacua recently relieved Iqbal from his post after the former minister reportedly declined to step down despite the audit observations. The Chief Minister clarified that the move was not a disciplinary sanction but was prompted by a loss of confidence in Iqbal’s ability to continue leading the ministry.
Responding to criticisms regarding due process, Macacua said the COA special audit already served as a formal mechanism through which the questioned transactions were examined and documented.
He further noted that BARMM ministers hold co-terminous appointments and may be replaced once they no longer enjoy the trust and confidence of the appointing authority. Macacua cited Supreme Court rulings affirming the authority of appointing officials to withdraw such appointments.
According to the BARMM chief, the audit findings raised serious concerns not only about MBHTE operations but also about maintaining public trust in regional government institutions.
Macacua acknowledged his long-standing association with Iqbal dating back to their years in the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), but stressed that public accountability must take precedence over personal relationships.
He also cited unresolved concerns involving alleged corruption, reported irregularities in teacher-item allocations, issues surrounding feeding programs, and disputed appointments within the ministry, which he said remained unaddressed despite previous opportunities for clarification.
The Chief Minister added that several senior BARMM officials had earlier been tasked with conveying his concerns and intentions to Iqbal before the decision to remove him from office and pursue legal action was finalized. /ia
