COA Warns of P2.2B Education Funds Misuse in BARMM

Leadership Transition in Bangsamoro Education Ministry

COTABATO CITY — The leadership of the Bangsamoro education ministry is expected to undergo a significant change as Chief Minister Abdulrauf Macacua is likely to take over the position. This move comes amid ongoing controversy surrounding the questionable spending of P2.2 billion in funds by the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MBHTE-BARMM).

Regional officials have hinted at this possibility if Minister Muhaquer Iqbal refuses to resign despite Macacua's directive. The chief minister has stated that this action is necessary to maintain the integrity of the BARMM government.

Protests and Public Support

Thousands of Iqbal's supporters, including traditional Moro community leaders, held a rally near the regional capitol in Cotabato City. During the event, speakers urged the BARMM leadership not to replace Iqbal, emphasizing that the Commission on Audit (COA) findings on the ministry’s P2.2 billion in disbursements are still under review by state auditors.

They also called on Macacua to wait for the final results of the COA's investigation before taking any administrative actions. Iqbal, who is facing pressure from Macacua, has been asked to resign due to the ongoing controversy surrounding the MBHTE-BARMM.

Background and Context

Macacua, the figurehead of the 80-seat Bangsamoro parliament, is also responsible for overseeing ministries and agencies of the BARMM government. He issued a written directive to Iqbal, citing COA findings on alleged irregularities in the MBHTE-BARMM's disbursement of P2.2 billion in tranches without sufficient documentary support.

The COA, accompanied by personnel from the 6th Marine Battalion and police officers, confiscated disbursement records related to the release of the P2.2 billion in ministry funds earlier this year. These documents were sent to the commission's central office in Metro Manila for detailed examination by state auditors.

Political Dynamics and Legal Considerations

Macacua took over the leadership of the BARMM government in March last year through an appointment by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. He replaced Ahod Balawag Ebrahim, who had been appointed to the post in 2019 by former president Rodrigo Duterte.

While there is a legal notion that Macacua cannot remove any member of the regional parliament, he can replace officials of agencies and ministries under the Bangsamoro regional government. This authority allows him to make changes within the structure of the BARMM government.

Iqbal's Response and Future Outlook

Iqbal, who has been vocal about his stance, was quoted in radio reports as saying he would not resign and would instead wait for Macacua's final decision on his assertion that he would remove him from office. "I respectfully decline to resign at this time," Iqbal stated in radio reports and social media posts.

Officials in the Office of the Chief Minister at the regional capitol in Cotabato City believe that Macacua will soon assume the post of minister of the MBHTE-BARMM based on his authority as the figurehead of the regional government. One official, who requested anonymity, said, "Chief Minister Macacua is likely to take over the management and control of the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education within the week."

Conclusion

The situation highlights the complex political dynamics within the Bangsamoro region. As the investigation into the financial practices of the education ministry continues, the potential leadership change underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in public administration. The outcome of this situation will have significant implications for the governance and future direction of the BARMM.

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