The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) was born from decades of struggle—against marginalization, against injustice, and for the right to self-determination. It was carved out of blood, sacrifice, and the aspirations of a people longing to govern themselves in accordance with their values, especially the principles of Islamic governance rooted in justice, accountability, and service to the ummah.
That is why the recent allegations of corruption in the Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education (MBHTE)—the very institution tasked with shaping the minds of the next generation—cut deep. If proven true, they do not just tarnish the reputation of individual officials. They strike at the very soul of the Bangsamoro cause.
Reports indicate that on March 7, 2025, P1.7 billion was released in a single day for Learner’s and Teacher’s Kits—without the standard financial checks and signatures from the Finance Division chief. There are also whispers that these very kits, allegedly distributed in bulk, are being sold to teachers. What could have been a gesture of support to educators now smells of exploitation. Meanwhile, a separate but equally disturbing allegation suggests that a relative of a senior MBHTE official—nicknamed “Boss A”—sabotaged teacher training programs in 2022 because his preferred hotel venues were not selected. This isn’t just unethical; it’s a betrayal of public trust.
Let’s not mince words: if true, these actions are not just non-compliant with government policies. They are also deeply un-Islamic. Islam enjoins justice (adl), transparency (amana), and responsibility (mas’uliyyah). It forbids deceit, cronyism, and abuse of authority. What then do we call a system that allows P1.7 billion to move in secrecy, or permits relatives to override public service for personal profit?
This is not what “Moral Governance” was supposed to mean. For years, BARMM leaders have proudly used this slogan to distance themselves from the corruption and neglect that characterized past administrations. But slogans without substance are hollow. They must be tested not in speeches, but in times of controversy—especially when the funds involved touch the futures of our children.
In response to these allegations, Minister Mohagher M. Iqbal has issued the following official statement on behalf of the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE):
OFFICIAL STATEMENT OF MINISTER MOHAGHER M. IQBAL
MINISTRY OF BASIC, HIGHER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION
BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION IN MUSLIM MINDANAOThe Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) strongly denies the allegations recently circulating online regarding purported anomalous transactions within the Ministry.
We categorically deny that the Ministry’s procurement activities, including the acquisition of Learners’ Kits and Teachers’ Kits, were irregular or circumvented existing processes. All our transactions undergo strict internal and external controls, in full compliance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations, including Republic Act No. 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act (as amended by R.A. 12009), its Implementing Rules and Regulations, and pertinent issuances from the Commission on Audit (COA).
The MBHTE procurement process is transparent, accountable, and consistently subjected to post-audit by the COA. Claims that a P1.7 billion transaction was carried out in a single day without appropriate review and sign-off are grossly misleading and ignore the layered controls within our financial systems. All deliveries of procured items are also duly inspected and documented in the presence of MBHTE Inspectorate team as well as that of COA representatives to ensure compliance with specifications and contract terms.
Nonetheless, we take seriously the allegation that Learners’ and Teachers’ Kits are allegedly being sold to our teachers. Such acts, if true, are reprehensible and run contrary to the very mission of this Ministry. We are now initiating an internal fact-finding investigation to verify these claims. Rest assured, we will not hesitate to hold any individual accountable, regardless of rank or affiliation, should wrongdoing be established.
Furthermore, there is no truth that any individual, including relatives of officials, has interfered in procurement or program implementation. No person outside of official authority can override decisions that undergo proper procurement and planning.
Finally, the MBHTE remains committed to its mandate of providing quality, inclusive, and accountable education services to the Bangsamoro people. We urge the public and the media to remain discerning and to seek clarification directly from concerned offices before drawing conclusions based on unverified reports.
The Minister’s statement offers firm denials and commits to internal review, which is a welcome and necessary step. But the people deserve more than reassurances. These are serious allegations that cannot be addressed solely by internal processes. Transparency must extend to public oversight.
We urge the Commission on Audit (COA) to thoroughly investigate the transactions flagged, and for the BARMM leadership to allow—and even demand—full transparency. If wrongdoing is proven, consequences must follow, no matter the names or titles involved.
The true test of autonomy is not in the budgets controlled or the flags flown, but in how power is wielded. Will BARMM uphold the Islamic principles of justice and accountability? Or will it allow itself to fall into the same immoral patterns that once justified its struggle?
This is a moment of reckoning. Let it not be remembered as the time when “Moral Governance” turned into “Immoral Governance”—but rather, as the moment when the Bangsamoro government proved it was different.
It still has that chance.