By Emily Blanco
MANILA — Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua has ordered the filing of criminal and administrative complaints against former Education Minister Mohagher Iqbal following adverse findings by the Commission on Audit (COA).
The complaints stem from a special audit that flagged alleged irregularities in the procurement of learning and training materials worth P2.2 billion under the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE).
In a letter explaining his decision, Macacua said forwarding the COA findings to the Office of the Ombudsman would ensure accountability while allowing Iqbal to answer the allegations in the proper legal forum.
The Chief Minister recently removed Iqbal from office after the latter declined to resign despite the audit findings. Macacua maintained that the dismissal was not disciplinary in nature but was based on a loss of confidence in the former minister’s leadership.
He rejected accusations that due process was disregarded, arguing that the COA investigation itself constituted a formal process in which the issues were examined.
Macacua also emphasized that BARMM ministers hold co-terminous appointments and may be replaced once the confidence of the appointing authority is withdrawn. He cited Supreme Court jurisprudence supporting the authority of appointing officials to terminate such appointments.
According to Macacua, the audit findings not only cast doubt on MBHTE’s operations but also affected public confidence in BARMM institutions.
While recognizing his long-standing association with Iqbal through the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the Chief Minister said accountability must prevail over personal relationships when public trust is at stake.
He added that concerns involving alleged corruption, teacher-item transactions, feeding program issues, and controversial appointments remained unresolved despite previous opportunities given to address them.
Macacua said several senior BARMM officials had been tasked to communicate his concerns and intentions to Iqbal before the decision was finalized.
