Suspended CHED official files graft raps vs. De Vera

A suspended official of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has filed a graft and corruption complaint against Chairperson Prospero “Popoy” de Vera” III before the Ombudsman for allegedly awarding supply contracts to a company he favored, Carlo Mateo reported on dzBB’s Super Radyo Wednesday. 

In a five-page complaint, suspended CHED Commissioner Aldrin Darilag accused De Vera of favoring supplier Aspen, and said that he was likewise instructed by the chairperson to support the company even if it is allegedly unqualified for supply contracts.

Darilag also complained of grave abuse of authority, harassment and oppression after he was allegedly not given due process when the Office of the President (OP) slapped him with a 90-day suspension in January for supposed grave misconduct, neglect in the performance of duty and abuse of authority.

The suspended official said he did not receive a copy of the complaint against him nor was given a chance to file a counter-affidavit. He also alleged that he was barred from CHED premises and that his staff was subjected to strict inspections when entering the establishment.

GMA Integrated News reached out to De Vera but he has yet to respond.

In January, CHED announced the suspension of Darilag on the orders of the OP. The commission was also tasked to conduct a fact-finding investigation to determine whether formal charges should be filed against the official.

The CHED statement did not specify the reason for his suspension, but in 2023, De Vera confirmed receiving complaints regarding its two commissioners — Darilag and Jo Mark Libre — for allegedly misappropriating public funds and abusing their power.

The Ombudsman earlier ordered the dismissal of Libre.—Sundy Locus/RF, GMA Integrated News