The House Committee on Public Accounts is urging the Commission on Audit (CoA) to conduct a specialized forensic audit into the alleged irregular use of P6.5 billion in funds released to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM)  under the 2024 Local Gov’t. Support Fund.

In Committee Report No. 1502, lawmakers sought an in-depth investigation to determine if any violations of law were committed in the disbursement of the funds, which were reportedly released within the span of only four months while the BARMM management was then under Chief Minister Ahod B. Ebrahim.

The committee noted that a “systematic scheme to redirect public funds” may have taken place, warranting a probe beyond standard audit procedures. It emphasized that the CoA should employ forensic capabilities to trace the flow of money and identify any potential misuse.

According to the committee report, approximately P1.5 billion was disbursed each month during the period under review, prompting concerns over the speed and scale of the releases.

The probe also uncovered testimonies from local officials who claimed they received funds for projects that were neither requested nor implemented. Some officials said they were later instructed to return the money after the projects were cancelled.

The committee’s findings pointed to possible political favoritism in the allocation of funds, particularly in favor of local government units and barangays believed to be allied with the United Bangsamoro Justice Party.

The House panel members said that the investigation must determine whether these fund releases were used for political advantage ahead of the supposed May 2025 BARMM Parliamentary Election.

The panel report described the situation as a “complex operation” designed to divert public resources for political and personal purposes under the administration of then Chief Minister Ebrahim, who also serves as president of the UBJP.

Documents and testimonies presented during committee hearings indicated that the P6.5-billion fund was distributed to LGUs and barangays within a short time frame, with some receiving up to P25 million, while opposition-leaning areas reportedly received none.

The committee expressed concern that the timing and distribution pattern of the funds may have influenced local political dynamics and undermined equitable governance in the region.

In its recommendation, the panel urged the CoA to scrutinize all disbursement documents, project proposals, and fund transfers to ensure transparency and accountability.

The committee clarified, however, that its report does not yet assign culpability to any individual but seeks to uncover the full facts and uphold responsible fiscal management in the BARMM.