Licuanan: My job will be over soon, let me finish it
MANILA, Philippines — Let her finish her job in six months.
This was the response of Commission on Higher Education Chair Patricial Licuanan to calls for her to resign over the allegations of excessive travels abroad.
“My term will be over on July 20, 2018. I’m doing my job. Just let me finish it. It’s just six months. Why can’t people wait?” Licuanan said on ANC’s "Headstart."
The CHED chair also insisted her overseas trips were necessary because they help secure opportunities and enhance the quality of education in the country.
Licuanan, who admitted traveling in business class, noted that in 2017 alone, she traveled eight times—five of which were paid by the government. She traveled five times in 2016, six in 2015, two in 2014 and three in 2013.
“That’s hardly excessive and all of these things had to do with very specific commitments. And it’s because of these travels that we are able to have joint programs with educational institutions abroad,” she said.
Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta Party-list Rep. Jericho Nograles earlier claimed that Licuanan violated an executive order for supposedly issuing her own travel authorities.
In an earlier statement, Licuanan belied the accusation, saying she get travel authorities from the Office of the President for all her travels, including personal trips.
Several public officials such as former Dangerous Drugs Board Dionisio Santiago, Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor Chairman Terry Ridon, along with all of PCUP’s commissioners and Maritime Industry Authority Administrator Marcial Amaro III have been sacked for their frequent travels abroad.
READ: CHED chief hits fake news
Delays in scholarship
Licuanan, who was absent for 38 days, said that the delay in scholarship allowances has nothing to do with her absences.
“The delays have nothing to do with my being out. But admittedly, it is a serious problem that we deeply regret and are facing,” she said.
In a statement, Licuanan clarified that only 4,096 faculty scholars are experiencing delays in the release of living allowances, contrary to reports that 9,500 have been affected.
CHED has already released allowances for 2,051 scholars who have submitted complete documentary requirements. It has also approved the partial release of living allowances of 1,011 scholars with valid contracts and enrollment forms.
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