A YOUTH group criticized Commission on Higher Education Chairman Prospero ‘Popoy’ De Vera III for his alleged failure to address the concerns of students on distance learning.

The Samahan ng Progresibong Kabataan said that De Vera was unable to address issues on academic freeze, tuition increases in state universities and colleges, and online classes.

The group said that the CHED chief does not deserve his “mammoth” salary which should be reappropriated to “allow more students to participate in the current system of education.”

SPARK said that De Vera is the sixth highest paid government official but he has been unable to fulfill his duties and has ignored the struggles of students and teachers.

The group said some SUCs have not received ample budget to cover the tuition of college students.

De Vera had admitted that fund distribution had been delayed because of the quarantine restrictions.

Although classes in some universities and colleges have started, SPARK renewed its call for an academic freeze until January 2021 to give students time to purchase the tools needed for flexible learning.