MANILA — The Bangsamoro government has removed Education Minister Mohagher Iqbal following a Commission on Audit (COA) report that detailed widespread procurement irregularities in the Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education (MBHTE), involving transactions worth about P2.2 billion.
Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua issued a May 11, 2026 order requiring Iqbal to resign immediately or be deemed resigned by May 18, citing serious governance concerns.
COA reported that the ministry failed to enforce liquidated damages amounting to P1.06 million despite a 520-day delay in delivering P30.9 million worth of classroom armchairs. The audit said this violated procurement law and contract provisions.
The findings also showed that 53 contracts totaling P1.95 billion were awarded despite irregularities, including improperly documented joint ventures, delayed performance security postings, and questionable sworn statements. These issues, COA said, should have disqualified the bidders involved.
The audit further noted that late or missing performance securities left government projects exposed, including a P4.7-million Education Summit contract involving CNX Mini Mart.
In addition, 73 disbursement vouchers worth P2.24 million were paid without complete documentation, relying solely on internal certifications.
Macacua emphasized that COA has already begun issuing disallowance notices and warned that more are expected, adding that the findings threaten ongoing reforms and weaken public trust in BARMM institutions.
