21 January 2024
The Office of the President (OP) issued this week a 90-day preventive suspension against Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Commissioner Aldrin A. Darilag over the alleged grave misconduct, neglect in the performance of duty, and abuse of authority or oppression.
As 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.
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.
“CHED will look into the matter seriously and fairly. 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,” CHED Chairman Popoy De Vera said.
“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.
“I call 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,” De Vera added.
The 30 state universities and colleges (SUCs) where Darilag sits as Chair-designate of the Board of Regents will be assigned by De Vera to the other commissioners to ensure the continuity of higher education programs and projects.
SGD.
J. PROSPERO E. DE VERA III, DPA
Chairman
Commission on Higher Education and UniFAST Board