By Cong B. Corrales
Editor-in-Chief,
and Shiela Mae Butlig
Correspondent

THE Commission on Audit (COA) is conducting a special audit of the Bangsamoro Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) following reports that it disbursed P1.77 billion in a single day.

The nearly P2 billion payment, reportedly made on March 7, 2025, was for Learners’ and Teachers’ Kits. The transaction allegedly bypassed the Finance Division’s required review and signature process, a safeguard meant to ensure compliance with government regulations.

Additionally, checks were reportedly issued directly to ministry personnel without proper oversight.

In an August 11 letter to Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Barmm) Chief Minister Abdulraof A. Macacua, COA Chairman Gamaliel A. Cordoba confirmed that the complaints against MBHTE head minister Mohagher Iqbal “merit the conduct of a special audit.”

In its official statement issued today, August 27, the Bangsamoro government confirmed receipt of the state auditing body.

“As an institution with a shared commitment to uphold integrity, we in the Bangsamoro Government recognize the constitutional authority of COA and will fully cooperate and provide assistance throughout the entire audit process,” the statement reads in part.

The Bangsamoro government assured the public that they will “take these matters seriously, and we will continue to act with diligence, fairness, and in the best interest of the Bangsamoro.”

Cordoba said an audit team is being formed and requested Macacua’s support for the investigation.

“We respectfully request your assistance for the audit team for the entire duration of the audit,” Cordoba wrote.

The P1.77 billion transaction is the largest among several allegations against the MBHTE, which manages the biggest budget in the Bangsamoro government at more than P36 billion. Despite this, the region reportedly has the country’s highest illiteracy rate.

Another complaint under review involves a P449 million payment to a single supplier under what COA described as “questionable circumstances.”

COA sources said several witnesses have provided sworn statements detailing alleged irregularities within the ministry. The MBHTE has long faced accusations of corruption, including reports of selling teaching positions to aspiring educators.

The outcome of the special audit will determine if the transactions could lead to administrative or criminal charges.