As the present Chair of the Commission on Higher Education, I am as deeply disturbed as all right-minded citizens, by the publicized report of the Commission on Audit on the non-liquidation and delay in submission of reports that exposes the subject funds to the risk of irregular if not altogether illegal payments made under the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) scheme of Republic Act No. 10931. These transpired under the previous administration, and I have directed the concerned offices in the Commission to study the report assiduously, to trace the anomalous payments, if any, of those funds transferred to various HEIs, and to identify the persons responsible for breaches of applicable laws and rules.

I shall fully cooperate with investigative bodies and shall order all subordinate officials of the Commission on Higher Education to do the same.

Meanwhile, I wish to assure the public that under my watch the Universal Access to Quality Education Act will be properly implemented, its funds administered in accordance with law and to do all within the powers of the Commission to ensure that our functions are performed strictly in accordance with rules on government spending as well as auditing regulations.

As soon as the responsible offices of the Commission shall have arrived at evidenced findings, I shall once more report to the public so that all may know the action the Commission is taking relative to this disturbing matter.

SGD.
SHIRLEY AGRUPIS, PhD
Chairperson