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Moro Islamic  Liberation Front Mohagher Iqbal answers questions during a consultation on the Bangsamoro Basic Law held in Sulu on Thursday.  Nickee Butlangan, ABS-CBN News

Article (news)

Kaxandra Salonga

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/177908389005220180208-bbl-consultation-NB-3.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Moro Islamic Liberation Front Mohagher Iqbal answers questions during a consultation on the Bangsamoro Basic Law held in Sulu on Thursday. Nickee Butlangan, ABS-CBN News/File" width="960"/>Moro Islamic  Liberation Front Mohagher Iqbal answers questions during a consultation on the Bangsamoro Basic Law held in Sulu on Thursday.  Nickee Butlangan, ABS-CBN News/File</div>MANILA -- Bangsamoro Minister of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) Mohagher Iqbal has refused to step down from his post despite a directive from Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua amid an audit controversy involving the ministry. In a May 16 letter addressed to Macacua, Mohagher Iqbal confirmed that he had received the chief minister’s order directing him to resign by Monday.“I respectfully decline to resign at this time, and I wish to place on record that I do not consent to any interpretation of my silence or of any future action as constituting a constructive or deemed resignation,” Iqbal wrote.Iqbal questioned the resignation request, saying he was not given the opportunity to explain or respond to allegations tied to audit findings involving P2.2 billion worth of transactions flagged for allegedly violating procedures and standards under the Government Procurement Reform Act.“With respect, the letter appears to have been issued without first affording an opportunity for explanation or response,” Iqbal said.The minister said the allegations against him are based on preliminary audit findings from a routine Commission on Audit document review, noting that there is no criminal preliminary investigation and no formal charges have been filed against him.He added that exchanges of documents between the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education and the COA National Office are still ongoing, and that ministry personnel are fully cooperating with the process.Iqbal argued that resigning during the audit could undermine both the investigation and his right to defend himself.“Resignation in the middle of this COA audit can be construed as an admission of guilt, or an abandonment of duty. My position is that the audit process must be allowed to conclude,” he said.He also appealed to Macacua to remove him from office if necessary, instead of treating his refusal to resign as automatic resignation.“Should you determine that I must vacate this position, I respectfully ask that such a decision be made openly, directly, and in full accordance with the law and established procedures,” he said.Iqbal said he will continue to perform his duties unless formally removed from office.“I remain Minister of Basic, Higher and Technical Education. I will execute my duties faithfully until you remove me by proper authority. I will cooperate fully with any investigation. I will respond to any charges. And I will not go quietly into the night because I have the moral obligation to clear my name,” he said.

Bangsamoro Minister of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) Mohagher Iqbal has refused to step down from his post despite a directive from Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua amid an audit controversy involving the ministry.

Bangsamoro Minister of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) Mohagher Iqbal has refused to step down from his post despite a directive from Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua amid an audit controversy involving the ministry.

MBHTE chief Iqbal refuses to resign amid audit probe

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MBHTE chief Iqbal refuses to resign amid audit probe

Kaxandra Salonga,

ABS-CBN News

Published May 18, 2026 02:00 PM PHT

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Updated May 18, 2026 09:15 PM PHT

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MBHTE

iqbal

Bangsamoro

COA

audit

resign

Macacua

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