The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua has called on Education Minister Mohagher Iqbal to resign following a Commission on Audit (COA) report citing alleged irregularities worth P2.2 billion.

In a letter, Macacua said, “Given the gravity of the findings and the enormity of the amount involved, we are of the considered view that the gains of good and moral governance… are in serious jeopardy,” and described the Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education (MBHTE) as “graft-ridden.” He added, “The issue is not about Iqbal as a person, but about corruption,” noting that Iqbal was the minister at the time the audit covered.

Iqbal, however, declined to resign, arguing he had not been given the opportunity to respond to the allegations. “With respect, the letter appears to have been issued without first affording an opportunity for explanation or response,” he said.

The minister added that he would continue to perform his duties “faithfully” until relieved by authorities, cautioning that resigning amid the issue could be perceived as an “admission of guilt” or an “abandonment” of his responsibilities.