Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairman J. Prospero De Vera III on Sunday, Jan. 21, confirmed that the Commission has been instructed to investigate allegations against its commissioner who is under a preventive suspension.
“CHED will look into the matter seriously and fairly,” De Vera said in a statement. He was referring to the investigation against (CHED) Commissioner Aldrin A. Darilag over the alleged grave misconduct, neglect in the performance of duty, and abuse of authority or oppression.
“We are committed to President Bongbong Marcos Jr.'s directive and vision that only the best, brightest, and most ethical individuals should lead our government,” De Vera added.
CHED said that the Office of the President (OP) issued this week a 90-day preventive suspension against Darilag.
“This preventive suspension is imposed so that Commissioner Darilag cannot use his office and position to influence the investigation and due process can be observed in the process,” De Vera said.
CHED noted that a presidential appointee, Darilag is under the “disciplining authority of the OP, who has the power to suspend a subordinate with charges involving dishonesty, oppression, grave misconduct, or neglect in the performance of duty.”
De Vera added that the OP also instructed CHED to conduct a fact-finding investigation to “determine the existence of a prima facie case to warrant the issuance of the formal charge” against Darilag.
“In that regard, it has instructed CHED to submit progress reports of the investigation and recommendations for final disposition,” De Vera said.
De Vera noted that the 30 state universities and colleges (SUCs) where Darilag sits as Chair-designate of the Board of Regents will be assigned to the other commissioners to “ensure the continuity of higher education programs and projects.”
Following this development, De Vera called on the CHED officials and employees, including the higher education community, to “exercise their duties and power consistent with the principle that public office is a public trust.”
Darilag’s suspension came after CHED confirmed early this week the Office of the Ombudsman's order which found its Commissioner Jo Mark Libre guilty of nepotism and grave misconduct.
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