Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairman Popoy De Vera has instructed the transfer of 24 State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) to the “remaining members” of the Commission following the dismissal of a CHED Commissioner.
In a statement, CHED confirmed that the Office of the Ombudsman ordered the Commission last week to implement its decision finding Commissioner Jo Mark Libre guilty of nepotism and grave misconduct in OMB-C-A-APR-23-0049 entitled, “Field Investigation Office vs. Jo Mark M. Libre."
To “ensure the continuity of educational services and programs” in the 24 sucS where Libre served as Chairman-designate of the Board of Regents, CHED said de Vera has “issued a memorandum transferring the said SUCs to the remaining members of the Commission.”
Regarding Libre, CHED said that the Ombudsman “meted out the penalty of dismissal from service which will carry with it cancellation of eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits except for accrued leave credits, and perpetual disqualification for reemployment in government service.”
CHED noted that the dismissal “stemmed from complaints of alleged recommendation of nepotic appointment of his relatives under his immediate supervision.”
Before he was appointed CHED Commissioner, CHED said that Libre in 2019 was found by the Civil Service Commission Davao Region (CSC 11), “guilty of grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, fabrication of official documents, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of service.”
“CSC said Libre has been subjected to penalties, which include dismissal from service, cancellation of eligibility, perpetual disqualification from holding public office, and prohibition from taking any Civil Service Examinations,” CHED said.
The said decision was elevated to the CSC, hence, Libre was appointed by former President Rodrigo Duterte as CHED Commissioner on Feb. 9, 2022.