THE Commission on Higher Education said one of its commissioners has been “preventively suspended” by Malacanang for 90 days due to alleged grave misconduct, neglect in the performance of duty, and abuse of authority.
CHED Chairperson Prospero said the Commission will start an investigation into Commissioner Aldrin Darilag after he was suspended by the Office of the President.
Darilag was appointed in 2019 by then-President Rodrigo Duterte.
“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,” De Vera said in a statement issued late Sunday night.
“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,” De Vera added.
As a presidential appointee, Darilag is under the disciplining authority of the Office of the President who has the power to suspend a subordinate facing charges involving dishonesty, oppression, grave misconduct, or neglect in the performance of duty.
In the suspension order, Malacanang also instructed the Commission to conduct a “fact-finding investigation” to determine the existence of a prima facie case to warrant the issuance of a 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 said the 30 state universities and colleges 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.
Darilag was earlier charged with using funds for his family’s travel expenditures from SUCs under him.
The Office of the Ombudsman earlier ordered the dismissal of Mark Libre, one of the CHED commissioners appointed by Duterte, for nepotism and grave misconduct.
The Ombudsman also perpetually disqualified Libre from holding public office while his retirement benefits, except for leave credits, were forfeited.
Darilag and Libre have denied the allegations.
