Ombudsman orders removal of CHED exec for nepotism

MANILA, Philippines — The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the removal of a Commission on Higher Education (CHED) official after finding him guilty of nepotism and grave misconduct.

CHED on Wednesday said it has been ordered to implement the decision against CHED Commissioner Jo Mark Libre, who was appointed to the position in 2022 by then-President Rodrigo Duterte. 

Libre’s dismissal from service stemmed from complaints that he appointed his relatives to positions under his direct supervision, CHED said.

As a penalty, the dismissed CHED commissioner has been barred from running for public office. He will also lose his retirement benefits, except for accrued leave credits.

Prior to Libre’s appointment as CHED commissioner in 2022, he was found guilty of “grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, fabrication of official documents and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of service” by the Civil Service Commission, CHED said.

The CSC said Libre has been subjected to penalties, which include dismissal from service, cancellation of eligibility, perpetual disqualification from holding public office and prohibition from taking any Civil Service Examinations.

CHED Chairperson Popoy De Vera has since ordered the transfer of the 24 state universities and colleges (SUCs) where Libre served as a member of the Board of Regents to the remaining members of the commission.