IQBAL REJECTS CALL TO RESIGN OVER P2.2-B AUDIT CONTROVERSY

Bangsamoro Minister of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education (MBHTE) Chief Mohagher Iqbal refused to step down amid the P2.2 billion suit controversy.

Iqbal confirmed that he received the letter order of withdrawal of the chief minister this Monday, May 16, from the Macacua.

“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 stated.

 Iqbal also questioned the resignation request after saying that he hasn't been able to clear the allegations against him after the P2.2 billion worth of audit findings without going through 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 audit findings are said to be based on the routine Commission on Audit document review; he also added that the exchanges of documents between the Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education and the COA National Office are ongoing.

 “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 after explaining that resigning during the COA audit can weaken his right to defend himself.

 He appealed to Macacua and said that they can remove him from his office instead of taking his refusal of resigning as an automatic resignation, and he will continue his duties unless he is formally removed from the office.

 “I remain minister of basic, higher, and technical education. I will execute my duties faithfully until you remove me with 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.