DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 06 September) – “It’s not an option,” Education Minister Mohagher Iqbal said regarding proposals urging him to take a leave of absence while the Commission on Audit (COA) conducts its special audit on alleged anomalous P2.2 billion transactions in his office – the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) – including nearly P1.8 billion disbursed in one day. “Siempre I will not (file a leave),” he told MindaNews in a text message, dismissing the allegations as a “demolition” job by his critics. Escorted by Marines, police, and other security forces in what was criticized as “overkill,” the special audit team arrived in Cotabato City Friday morning to collect documents at the MBHTE office. Iqbal described the heavy security presence as “psywar ops” by those behind the move. Lawyer Rasol Mitmug, chair of the Bangsamoro Parliament’s Blue Ribbon Committee investigating the alleged anomalies, urged Iqbal to take an “indefinite leave of absence” to ensure the integrity of the investigation. Mitmug noted Iqbal initially said he would consider the advice but later clarified it was “not an option.” Mitmug emphasized moral governance as a core principle of the BARMM, urging accountability. COA ordered the special audit after receiving complaints about P1.77 billion paid in one day for Learners’ and Teachers’ Kits and P449.2 million to a single supplier under “questionable circumstances.” Iqbal denied the allegations, stating all transactions undergo strict internal and external controls. The audit results could lead to administrative or criminal cases. COA’s initial review found the complaints merited a special audit. The MBHTE, with a P36 billion budget, has faced corruption accusations, including claims of selling teaching items to aspiring teachers. The PSA reported BARMM has the highest illiteracy rate among regions at 14.4%. Iqbal, also chair of the MILF Peace Implementing Panel, reiterated the allegations were a “demolition” job and affirmed the procurement process’s transparency. (Carolyn O. Arguillas with a report from Ferdinandh B. Cabrera/MindaNews)
