The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) served a 90-day preventive suspension this week against Commissioner Aldrin Darilag over allegations of grave misconduct, neglect in the performance of duty, and abuse of authority or oppression.
In a press statement released Sunday evening, CHED said the instruction came from the Office of the President (OP), which has disciplining authority over Darilag as its subordinate upon receiving complaints leveled against him.
CHED also said it received instructions from the OP 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, CHED was ordered 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 Prospero De Vera, Jr. said.
De Vera noted that the preventive suspension is being imposed on Darilag, so that he cannot use his office and position to influence the investigation and due process can be observed.
“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.
CHED said De Vera will assign the 30 state universities and colleges (SUCs)—where Darilag sits as chair-designate of the Board of Regents—to the other commissioners to ensure the continuity of higher education programs and projects.