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House Panel Calls For Fraud Audit On BARMM's P6.4-B Fund- But Where Are The Officials?
BARMM
It looks like the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is under the spotlight again, and this time, lawmakers want a deeper dive into how they’re handling a whopping P6.4 billion in government funds.
A House panel is now pushing the Commission on Audit (COA) to conduct a fraud audit on BARMM’s use of the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF), citing concerns over transparency and accountability.
P6.4 Billion is No Small Change
House Assistant Majority Leader Zia Alonto Adiong of Lanao del Sur pointed out that under COA’s own rules, the central office should handle audits for funds over P50 million—and BARMM’s LGSF is way beyond that threshold.
“The P50 million and above, COA central national office will come into the picture, and we’re talking of P6.4 billion,” Adiong emphasized.
Seeing the need for a closer examination of BARMM’s spending, Adiong formally moved for the committee to request COA to launch the fraud audit, a motion that was quickly approved by the panel.
Where are the BARMM Officials?
But just as things were heating up, one major issue stood out—BARMM officials were nowhere to be found during the hearing.
Deputy Minority Leader Mujiv Hataman of Basilan didn’t hold back in questioning their absence.
“Ang mga BARMM officials, wala pa rin?” he asked.
House Public Accounts Committee Chair Stephen Joseph ‘Caraps’ Paduano responded, saying the officials had sent an excuse letter, citing Ramadan as the reason for missing the hearing.
Hataman, however, wasn’t buying it.
“Gusto ko lang sabihin na kami rin ho, nagfa-fasting. Pero wala hong batas, even sa aming relihiyon, na nagsasabing kung nagfa-fasting ka, di mo pwedeng gawin kung ano ‘yung mandato mo sa buhay mo,” he pointed out.
Excuses, Excuses?
This isn’t the first time BARMM officials have tried to dodge legislative inquiries. Hataman reminded everyone that the last time they were called in, they used autonomy as a shield. Now, it’s Ramadan.
“Hindi na ho nila pinapanindigan ‘yun, at ang reason ngayon ay dahil Ramadan. Just for the record,” Hataman added, warning that they might try the autonomy excuse again in future hearings.
With billions in public funds at stake, lawmakers are determined to get answers. The big question now is: Will BARMM officials finally show up, or will there be yet another reason to stay away?
A House panel is now pushing the Commission on Audit (COA) to conduct a fraud audit on BARMM’s use of the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF), citing concerns over transparency and accountability.
P6.4 Billion is No Small Change
House Assistant Majority Leader Zia Alonto Adiong of Lanao del Sur pointed out that under COA’s own rules, the central office should handle audits for funds over P50 million—and BARMM’s LGSF is way beyond that threshold.
“The P50 million and above, COA central national office will come into the picture, and we’re talking of P6.4 billion,” Adiong emphasized.
Seeing the need for a closer examination of BARMM’s spending, Adiong formally moved for the committee to request COA to launch the fraud audit, a motion that was quickly approved by the panel.
Where are the BARMM Officials?
But just as things were heating up, one major issue stood out—BARMM officials were nowhere to be found during the hearing.
Deputy Minority Leader Mujiv Hataman of Basilan didn’t hold back in questioning their absence.
“Ang mga BARMM officials, wala pa rin?” he asked.
House Public Accounts Committee Chair Stephen Joseph ‘Caraps’ Paduano responded, saying the officials had sent an excuse letter, citing Ramadan as the reason for missing the hearing.
Hataman, however, wasn’t buying it.
“Gusto ko lang sabihin na kami rin ho, nagfa-fasting. Pero wala hong batas, even sa aming relihiyon, na nagsasabing kung nagfa-fasting ka, di mo pwedeng gawin kung ano ‘yung mandato mo sa buhay mo,” he pointed out.
Excuses, Excuses?
This isn’t the first time BARMM officials have tried to dodge legislative inquiries. Hataman reminded everyone that the last time they were called in, they used autonomy as a shield. Now, it’s Ramadan.
“Hindi na ho nila pinapanindigan ‘yun, at ang reason ngayon ay dahil Ramadan. Just for the record,” Hataman added, warning that they might try the autonomy excuse again in future hearings.
With billions in public funds at stake, lawmakers are determined to get answers. The big question now is: Will BARMM officials finally show up, or will there be yet another reason to stay away?
Mar 17, 2025
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