MANILA — BARMM Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua has ordered the immediate removal of Education Minister Mohagher Iqbal after a Commission on Audit (COA) report exposed alleged procurement irregularities involving P2.2 billion in transactions under the Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education.
In a letter dated May 11, 2026, Macacua instructed Iqbal to resign upon receipt or be considered resigned if he failed to comply by the end of office hours on May 18.
The COA report cited the ministry’s failure to impose liquidated damages worth P1.06 million despite significant delays in the delivery of P30.9 million worth of school armchairs, in violation of procurement laws and contract terms.
It also identified 53 contracts totaling P1.95 billion that were awarded despite procurement violations, including improper joint venture identification, delayed posting of performance securities, and discrepancies in sworn statements. These deficiencies, COA said, should have led to bidder disqualification.
The audit further noted that the absence or late submission of performance securities compromised government protection against non-performance, including in a P4.7-million Education Summit contract awarded to CNX Mini Mart.
Additionally, 73 disbursement vouchers amounting to P2.24 million were processed and paid without complete supporting documentation, relying only on certifications from ministry personnel.
Macacua said COA has already issued initial notices of disallowance and more are expected, stressing that the findings threaten governance reforms and have eroded public trust in BARMM.
