Commission on Higher Education Chairman Denies Favoring Supplier
Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairman Julian Prospero De Vera III has recently denied allegations of favoritism towards a supplier. The suspended CHED Commissioner, Aldrin Darilag, filed graft and corruption charges against De Vera, accusing him of favoring Aspen, a supplier that allegedly did not comply with the requirements of Republic Act 9184, also known as the Procurement Law.
Darilag claimed that De Vera had not only favored Aspen but also prohibited him from entering CHED premises and interacting with officials and employees of the commission. Additionally, his staff were prevented from performing any work related to his office. These allegations have sparked controversy and raised questions about the integrity of the procurement process within CHED.
In response to the allegations, De Vera released a statement late last night. While he admitted that he was not aware of the specifics of the case, he emphasized that he was not part of any bids or awards committee in the commission or any state university or college. He further stated that he did not have the authority to manipulate procurement activities.
De Vera clarified that any complaints regarding the violation of bidding procedures should be addressed and resolved by the CHED Commission en banc or the Board of Regents of individual State Universities and Colleges (SUCs). He emphasized the need for a fair and thorough investigation to ensure transparency and accountability in the procurement process.
Regarding his own suspension, De Vera explained that the order was issued by the Executive Secretary and served to him as per the directive of the Office of the President. The Office of the President instructed CHED to form a fact-finding committee to investigate the allegations against Darilag.
De Vera also addressed the claim that Darilag’s staff were prohibited from entering CHED premises. He stated that no memorandum was issued regarding this matter, implying that there were no official restrictions on Darilag’s staff accessing CHED.
It is crucial to understand the context of this situation within the Philippines’ legal framework and customs. The allegations of favoritism and corruption are serious offenses that undermine the integrity of the procurement process. The Procurement Law, Republic Act 9184, sets the guidelines and regulations for public procurement in the country. Any violation of these procedures can have severe consequences and legal implications.
The CHED Commission en banc and the Board of Regents of SUCs play a vital role in ensuring fairness and transparency in the procurement process. These bodies have the authority to investigate allegations, impose sanctions, and uphold the principles of good governance.
The fact-finding committee established by CHED, as directed by the Office of the President, will be responsible for investigating the allegations against Darilag. This committee will gather evidence, interview relevant parties, and present its findings to determine the truth behind the accusations.
It is essential to allow the investigation to proceed without prejudice and to respect the due process rights of all parties involved. The allegations should be thoroughly examined, and any wrongdoing should be appropriately addressed and remedied.
As this case unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining transparency, accountability, and integrity in public institutions. Upholding these principles is crucial not only for the proper functioning of CHED but also for fostering trust and confidence in the education system as a whole.
In conclusion, Chairman De Vera has denied the allegations of favoritism towards a supplier, emphasizing that he was not involved in any bids or awards committee. The allegations against him and the subsequent investigation highlight the need for transparency and accountability in the procurement process. It is essential to allow the fact-finding committee to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure a fair resolution to the allegations.
Source: The Manila Times
