CHED to dismiss commissioner
By Nidz Godino
“As to CHED officials, appointed commissioners with pending serious charges should not be given assignments as chairs of various SUC boards… if they have no delicadeza to resign, they should not be allowed to wield more power and influence over SUCs,” Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers noted Office of the Ombudsman has ordered Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to dismiss commissioner Jo Mark Libre, after he was found guilty of nepotism and grave misconduct in line of duty.
In statement, CHED said it has already transferred Libre’s chairmanship of 24 state universities and colleges (SUCs) to other commissioners “to ensure continuity of educational services and programs in institutions.”
Ombudsman meted Libre penalty of dismissal from service, also means his retirement benefits save for accrued leave credits have been forfeited, and that he would be perpetually disqualified for reemployment in government service.
His dismissal was result of complaints of his alleged recommendation of appointments of his relatives to work under his “immediate supervision.”
Libre had already been found guilty in 2019 by Civil Service Commission of Davao region of grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, fabrication of official documents, and conduct prejudicial to best interest of service.
CSC said he has since been penalized and dismissed from service, but was still appointed by former president Rodrigo Duterte in 2020 as CHED commissioner until 2025, as his appeal against CSC decision deemed case ongoing and not final.
Senior House member asked CHED to stop appointing commissioners, who have pending charges, as heads of SUCs.
In statement, Barbers said CHED should exercise discretion in making such appointments.
ISKUP! 