The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has been instructed to investigate allegations against one of its commissioners who is under preventive suspension, confirmed CHED Chairman J. Prospero De Vera III on Sunday, Jan. 21.
The investigation is targeting CHED Commissioner Aldrin A. Darilag over 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 said in a statement.
According to CHED, the Office of the President (OP) issued a 90-day preventive suspension against Darilag to prevent him from using his office and position to influence the investigation, and to ensure due process is observed.
As a presidential appointee, Darilag is under the disciplining authority of the OP, granting them the power to suspend a subordinate with charges involving dishonesty, oppression, grave misconduct, or neglect in the performance of duty.
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 formal charges against Darilag.
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 other commissioners to ensure the continuity of higher education programs and projects.
Following this development, De Vera called on CHED officials and employees, as well as 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 earlier in the week that the Office of the Ombudsman found Commissioner Jo Mark Libre guilty of nepotism and grave misconduct.
A full story on the matter can be found here: https://mb.com.ph/2024/1/18/ched-ensures-continuity-of-educational-services-programs-in-24-su-cs-following-commissioner-s-dismissal
