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COTABATO CITY — Bangsamoro Chief Minister Abdulraof “Sammy Gambar” A. Macacua said he will soon provide a detailed explanation regarding the removal of former Education Minister Mohagher Iqbal from the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE), while reaffirming his commitment to pursue reforms, accountability, and anti-corruption measures in the Bangsamoro Government.
The MBHTE is one of the 15 primary ministries of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
In a statement issued following the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s (MILF) decision to indefinitely suspend him as chief of staff of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF), Macacua acknowledged that the MBHTE issue was among the matters cited in the resolution.
However, he said a comprehensive explanation would be provided at a later time.
“Hintayin na lang siguro ang final na explanation ko dito kasi mahaba talaga ang sagot dito. Wait lang mga guys ha, darating tayo diyan,” Macacua said.
(Translation: Perhaps, we have to wait for my final explanation because the reply is going to be long. Just wait, guys, we will come to that.)
The controversy traces its roots to Macacua’s decision earlier this year to seek the resignation of Iqbal amid issues involving approximately ₱2.2 billion in transactions and expenditures flagged in audit findings and complaints filed before oversight authorities. The matter sparked public debate and differing views within the Bangsamoro leadership regarding accountability, due process, and the handling of senior officials.
More reforms coming — Chief Minister
Despite the criticism, Macacua emphasized that he remains firm in the decisions he has taken as Chief Minister.
“Tungkol sa akin, paninindigan natin ang ating decision,” he said. (About me, we will stand by our decision.)
The Chief Minister also emphasized that his administration’s reform agenda would continue, particularly efforts to address corruption, nepotism, and inefficiencies in government programs.
According to Macacua, accountability must extend to unfinished and delayed government projects, including housing, infrastructure, and other public works that have failed to deliver their intended benefits to communities despite the expenditure of public funds.
“Tuloy natin ang laban sa manipulation, nepotism lalo na sa graft and corruption,” he said. (We will continue our fight against manipulation, nepotism and especially grant and corruption.)
He further stressed the need to pursue individuals responsible for projects that remain incomplete and to initiate legal action whenever warranted.
“Habulin natin ang mga taong hindi tumapos ng project, pabahay man o kalsada at mga iba pang project. Kung kailangan mag-file tayo ng kaso, mag-file tayo,” he added. (We will go after people who did not finish their projects, housing or roads and other projects.)
Macacua also promised that additional reforms would be introduced under his administration.
“I will institute more reform. Expect it,” he said.
While the MILF suspension removes him from his role as BIAF chief of staff, Macacua indicated that he remains focused on governance and safeguarding the gains of the Bangsamoro peace process through transparency, accountability, and effective public service.
The Chief Minister has yet to release his detailed response regarding the MBHTE controversy, which remains one of the key issues cited in the MILF Central Committee’s suspension resolution. (/)
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Source: Office of Chief Minister