Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua publicly admitted on September 12, 2025, during the 50th anniversary of Matanog, Maguindanao del Norte, that corruption is rampant in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Speaking in Barangay Bayanga Norte, Macacua revealed discoveries of fraudulent procurement, bribery, and other irregularities since his assumption as chief minister earlier in March. He cited instances where bid winners were pressured to accept defeat, rice was priced at 81 pesos per kilogram in bidding, and he received offers of up to 40 million pesos monthly to comply with corrupt practices. Macacua emphasized that ignoring corruption makes one part of the problem, urging public discourse to address the issue. BARMM Deputy Speaker Baintan Ampatuan assured that the parliament’s finance committee would oversee proper budget use. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education faces accusations of anomalous disbursements amounting to P2.2 billion, which Minister Mohagher Iqbal denies, welcoming an investigation. The Bangsamoro Parliament’s blue ribbon committee is also probing the allegations. (Ferdinandh B. Cabrera/MindaNews)
