The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the dismissal from service of a ranking Commission on Higher Education (CHED) official for nepotism and grave misconduct.
The investigative body imposed the penalty on CHED Commissioner Jo Mark Libre. Other sanctions include the cancellation of his eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits except for accrued leave credits, and perpetual disqualification for reemployment in government service.
The Ombudsman made the ruling in response to a complaint filed against Libre over the nepotic appointment of his relatives to CHED under his immediate supervision.
Former President Rodrigo Duterte appointed Libre as commissioner on Feb. 9, 2022.
In 2019, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) in Davao Region also found Libre guilty of grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, fabrication of official documents, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of service.
Libre was subjected to penalties, including dismissal from service, cancellation of eligibility, perpetual disqualification from holding public office, and prohibition from taking any civil service examinations.