MANILA – An official from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has been placed on a 90-day preventive suspension due to allegations of grave misconduct, neglect in the performance of duty, and abuse of authority or oppression.
In a press release on Sunday, CHED announced that Commissioner Aldrin Darilag, a presidential appointee, falls under the disciplinary jurisdiction of the Office of the President (OP), which holds the authority to suspend a subordinate facing charges related to dishonesty, oppression, grave misconduct, or neglect in the performance of duty.
The OP has directed CHED to initiate a fact-finding probe to establish whether there is a prima facie case that justifies formal charges against Darilag.
“CHED will thoroughly and impartially investigate the matter. We are committed to President Bongbong Marcos Jr.’s directive and vision, ensuring that only the best, brightest, and most ethical individuals lead our government,” stated CHED Chair J. Prospero de Vera III.
De Vera emphasized that the preventive suspension aims to prevent Darilag from leveraging his office and position to influence the ongoing investigation.
During the suspension period, the responsibilities of Darilag, who serves as the chair-designate of the Board of Regents for 30 state universities and colleges, will be temporarily assigned to other commissioners.
(el Amigo/MNM)
