Commission on Higher Education Chairperson J. Prospero de Vera III (PNA file photo)
MANILA – Commission on Higher Education (CHED) chairperson J. Prospero de Vera III took exception to allegations hurled against him, including graft, corruption, and grave abuse of authority, among others.
De Vera made the remark after suspended CHED Commissioner Aldrin Darilag filed a complaint against him before the Office of the Ombudsman.
In a statement on Wednesday night, de Vera clarified that he has no control over any procurement procedure, contrary to Darilag’s claim that he has been instructed to favor select suppliers for government contracts.
“I do not know the specifics of the complaint so it is difficult for me to respond in detail to his allegations. But I would like to categorically state that I am not part of any Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) in CHED or in any state university and college and I am not in a position to manipulate procurement activities,” he added.
De Vera said such concerns, however, are subject to the decision of the CHED commission en banc or the Board of Regents of individual State Universities and Colleges (SUCs).
In terms of the alleged grave abuse of authority, harassment, and oppression, de Vera responded that he has neither issued a memorandum to prevent his staff from doing any work nor subjected them to unnecessary inspections.
“I would like to state that the 90-day suspension order was issued by the Executive Secretary. CHED served the said suspension order to Darilag, per the directive of the Office of the President (OP),” de Vera added.
To date, the CHED’s fact-finding committee is conducting a probe amid Darilag’s suspension.
On Jan. 16, the OP issued a preventive suspension against Darilag over alleged grave misconduct, neglect in the performance of duty, and abuse of authority or oppression or violation of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. (PNA)
