MACACUA (FB)
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua has urged Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education Minister Mohagher Iqbal to resign to preserve the Moro Islamic Liberation Front as an institution and protect the credibility of the BARMM.
The Chief Minister called for Iqbal’s resignation in a letter dated May 11 due to multiple findings from the Commission on Audit involving procurement transactions and disbursements under the education ministry.
Macacua told Iqbal to resign or be deemed resigned if he does not submit his resignation letter when office hours close on Monday, May 18.
He said public trust in the Bangsamoro government has been “seriously eroded” by the controversy.
Macacua said audit observations pointed to serious deficiencies and possible violations of procurement regulations allegedly involving billions of pesos in government funds.
He cited alleged failures to impose liquidated damages on delayed projects, questions on the eligibility of joint venture arrangements, and the late posting of required performance securities by certain contractors involved in procurement activities.
Macacua said that 73 disbursement vouchers amounting to billions of pesos were reportedly processed and fully paid despite the absence of several mandatory procurement documents required under government auditing and procurement regulations.
Macacua warned that the initial notices of disallowance issued by COA may only be the beginning, noting that more notices of disallowance could still follow as state auditors continue their review of the transactions.