THE House Committee on Public Accounts, chaired by Abang Lingkod Party-list Rep. Joseph Stephen Paduano on Monday continued its probe into the alleged irregularities in the disbursement and utilization of the P6.4 billion Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
The inquiry stemmed from the privilege speech of Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong delivered on Jan. 27, 2025.
Paduano emphasized the panel’s commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability.
“This inquiry is not just about uncovering potential misuse, but also about strengthening governance mechanisms to prevent future irregularities. We assure all stakeholders that this investigation will be thorough, impartial, and guided by the principles of good governance and the rule of law,” he said.
In his statement, funds were distributed across several provinces, with Basilan receiving P1.52 billion, Lanao del Sur P1.35 billion, Maguindanao del Norte P1.385 billion, Maguindanao del Sur P778.5 million, Tawi-Tawi P1 billion and special geographic areas P413 million. The committee raised concerns that these funds may have been used for vote-buying or to curry favor with voters.
BARMM officials who were invited as resource persons were still a no-show at the hearing, citing Ramadan as their excuse. Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman underscored that religious observances should not interfere with the fulfillment of official government responsibilities
“Kami rin ho, nagpa-fasting. Pero wala hong batas even sa aming relihiyon na nagsasabing kung nagpa-fasting ka di mo pwedeng gawin kung ano yung mandato mo sa buhay mo at ang mga obligasyon mo sa iyong panunungkulan,” he said.
Adiong then urged the Commission on Audit (COA) to conduct a formal fraud audit, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive evaluation of BARMM’s utilization of funds.
“Mr. Chair, I move that we direct the COA to conduct the fraud audit of the 2024 BARMM LGSF. So moved, Mr. Chair,” he said.
Kapatagan, Lanao del Sur Mayor Raida Maglangit questioned the LGSF distribution in her municipality, contradicting a COA report stating that all 15 barangays in Lanao del Sur received the fund. After interviewing all 15 barangay chairmen, she claimed that only four received funds ranging from P600,000 to P2 million.
“The difference in the amount extended by BARMM was not explained, thus raising the question — what was the wisdom behind the LGSF downloaded?” she asked.
