COMMISSION on Higher Education Commissioner Aldrin Darilag has been suspended for 90 days for alleged grave misconduct, neglect in the performance of duty, and abuse of authority or oppression.

CHED said that the Office of the President issued the preventive suspension against Darilag.

As a presidential appointee, Darilag is under the disciplining authority of the OP, who has the power to suspend a subordinate with charges involving dishonesty, oppression, grave misconduct, or neglect in the performance of duty.

Higher education chairman Prospero De Vera III said that the preventive suspension was imposed to Darilag for him not to use his office and position to influence the investigation and due process can be observed in the process.

“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 assured to 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,” De Vera said.

The 30 state universities and colleges where Darilag sits as Chair-designate of the Board of Regents will be assigned by De Vera to the other commissioners to ensure the continuity of higher education programs and projects.