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Bangsamoro Parliament's Blue Ribbon Committee Calls for Minister's Indefinite Leave Amid P2.2 Billion Fund Controversy

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The chair of Bangsamoro Parliament's Blue Ribbon Committee, Atty. Rasol Mitmug, has called for the indefinite leave of absence of Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education chief Mohagher Iqbal pending an investigation into a P2.2 billion fund controversy. The move follows the Commission on Audit's (COA) special audit into alleged irregularities, including a P1.77 billion disbursement for Learners' and Teachers' Kits that bypassed standard financial scrutiny. The investigation is ongoing, with the COA's findings expected to determine whether the complaints lead to administrative or criminal charges.

Key Takeaways:

  • The commission is conducting a special audit into alleged irregularities amounting to more than P2.2 billion, including a P1.77 billion disbursement for Learners' and Teachers' Kits that bypassed standard financial scrutiny.
  • The payout was allegedly directly handed to certain personnel, including a cashier, without proper oversight, and involved checks that were handed over to individuals without signatures.
  • The Bangsamoro government's budget at over P36 billion, with the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) holding a substantial portion, nearly one-third of the total budget.
  • The region reportedly continues to have the highest illiteracy rate in the country, with the largest disbursement made for a single day on March 7, 2025.
  • Additional claims include a P449 million payment to a single supplier under "questionable circumstances," and sworn affidavits have been signed by witnesses detailing these and other irregularities.
  • The Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education chief Mohagher Iqbal has been asked to step down by MP Mitmug and Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua, to ensure that his presence does not hinder the investigation.
  • The auditor's report is also looking into allegations of the alleged selling of teaching items and other irregularities.
  • The investigation was triggered by reports that the MBHTE allegedly disbursed P1.77 billion in a single day for the said projects.

Statistics:

  • Over P2.2 billion in alleged irregularities are under investigation by the Commission on Audit (COA).
  • P1.77 billion was allegedly disbursed for Learners' and Teachers' Kits that bypassed standard financial scrutiny.
  • Checks were allegedly directly handed to certain personnel, including a cashier, without proper oversight.
  • A P449 million payment to a single supplier under "questionable circumstances" is under investigation.
  • The Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education holds nearly one-third of the Bangsamoro government's total budget, at over P36 billion.
  • The region has the highest illiteracy rate in the country, despite the largest disbursement made for a single day on March 7, 2025.

Sources:

  • "COA starts special audit on MBHTE's alleged P2.2-B fund controversy" (BusinessWorld, September 5, 2025)
  • "Bangsamoro Parliament's Blue Ribbon Committee Calls for Minister's Indefinite Leave" (Bangsamoro Parliament, September 5, 2025)

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