COMMISSION on Higher Education Chairperson Prospero de Vera III has taken over the chairmanship in the Board of Regents of a state-run university in Cagayan de Oro City and other public universities in Mindanao after the dismissal of Commissioner Jo Mark Libre.

In a memorandum dated January 9, 2024, De Vera said he would assume the chairmanship in the BOR of the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines and five other state universities and colleges — the Palawan State University, Western Philippines University, Zamboanga State College of Marine Science and Technology, Basilan State College, and Sulu State College.

In the same memorandum, CHEd has also transferred the chairmanship of other SUCs to Commissioners Aldrin Darilag, Marita Canapi, and Ronald Adamat.

Darilag will be the chair-designate of Bohol Island State University, Cebu Technological University, Siquijor State College, Tawi-Tawi Regional Agricultural College, Adiong Memorial Polytechnic State University, and Zamboaga Peninsula Polytechnic State University.

Canapi, on the other hand, assumed chairmanship of the Technological University of the Philippines, Marinduque State College, Agusan del Sur College of Agriculture and Technology, Caraga State University, Camiguin Polytechnic State College, and Surigao del Norte State University.

Meanwhile, Adamat will be the chair-designate of Josefina H. Cerilles State College, Jose Rizal Memorial State University, Bukidnon State University, Northern Bukidnon State College, Northwestern Mindanao State College of Science and Technology, and Northeastern Mindanao State University.

Last week, the Office of the Ombudsman ordered CHEd to implement its decision finding Commissioner Libre guilty of nepotism and grave misconduct.

The Ombudsman meted out the penalty of dismissal from service which will carry with it cancellation of eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits except for accrued leave credits, and perpetual disqualification for reemployment in government service.

The dismissal stemmed from complaints of alleged recommendation of nepotic appointment of his relatives under his immediate supervision.

Before his appointment as CHED Commissioner, Libre was found by the Civil Service Commission Regional IX, Davao City, guilty of grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, falsification of official documents, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service and meeting upon the penalty of dismissal from the service with all the accessory penalties.

The said decision was elevated to the Civil Service Commission.

Commissioner Libre was appointed by former President Rodrigo Duterte as CHEd Commissioner on February 9, 2023.