Troubles in CHED

“Revealing something about CHED” as featured by Mr. Isagani Cruz last November 22, 2007 in the Philippine STAR. The article focused on both Secretary Neri and myself as “failing” to meet the stipulations of the law.  For the information of Mr. Cruz, this subject has been discussed and evaluated by the concerned offices of the Office of the President after it was circulated as a “White Paper” dated October 2, 2007. This paper has also been widely circulated, reaching the mail boxes of the House of Representatives distributed during Congressional hearing for the budget of CHED. A copy was given to me by a representative who described the white paper as extremely in poor taste, and can be done by persons with malicious intentions who do not deserve to be in the administration team of the higher education of the country. The paper was not given the dignity of attention by the legislators.

I decided earlier not to mind the white paper, which can be concluded authored by a few of those who felt threatened in the appointment of Secretary Neri as CHED Chairman. However, the article of Mr. Isagani Cruz, November 22, quoting the contents of the said white paper, alluding to my integrity is somewhat unfair and appear biased.  May I offer some thoughts for the information who may have read the article of Mr. Cruz.

The appointment of Secretary Neri made sometime August 2007 is now being objected. Who are these few leading the objection? Could there be other probable motives?

Secretary Neri is an experienced technocrat having held sensitive and critical work for the government. He was given a briefing on CHED, and part of the briefing documents included the records of the past, present and pending matters, including official minutes of the commission en banc meetings. These documents were reviewed by Sec. Neri and several key items where noted by the technical staff. Sec Neri gave instructions for a detailed review of the identified subjects, which included the P500 million BPO-ICC Project

The P500 million BPO-ICC project is pending completion, and by coincidence, Secretary Neri was with full knowledge on the funds that was allocated to CHED. He was involved then as NEDA Director General and as Acting DBM Secretary who approved the release of these funds for specific purpose. Their initial review indicated procedural discrepancies in the implementation including the bidding process.

The findings of technical staff also showed serious flaws in the fund utilization and the execution of the project, necessitating submission to COA for final review and evaluation.

It is worth pointing out the significance that several of the signatories in the October 2, 2007 white paper happen to be part of the principal groups involved in the bidding and implementation of the BPO-ICC project. Indeed, the “nobility” of their concerns contained in the white paper against Secretary Neri and my person are highly questionable.

I will not waste valuable media space in elaborating and answering the issues made against me. The pertinent documents on the matter of my job qualification are now in the files of the OP, complying with the requirements of the position of CHED Commissioner. I will instead provide the possible reasons why such “special” concern was focused in my person by the authors of the letter. It would appear that Secretary Neri, and myself are being alluded to have unearthed the concerns and issues that necessitated the submission of the BPO-ICC project to COA.

The chairman of the CHED Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) for the project is CHED Dep. Exec. Director Atty. Julito L. Vitriolo, with other BAC members composed of other signatories of the white paper.

I have been with CHED for more than 2 years, earning the contempt of a handful of CHED officials who could not fully accept my uncompromising stance against activities and actions that borders on possible conflicts that could prejudice the interest of CHED. The CHED en banc deliberations cover a wide area, where I objectively register my views and ensure that these be annotated in the minutes. I also made sure that I secure copy of the tape recordings of the sessions. I adhere to the philosophy of Fairness, Accountability and Transparency (FAT) in all my dealings, in the private and government sectors.

The BPO-ICC project briefing papers reviewed by Secretary Neri and his technical staff included my annotations that somehow documented the possible lapses that could prejudice the best interest of the government in regard to the P500 million BPO-ICC project. This fact could have angered the personalities involved in the project.

To be given the opportunity to serve in various advocacy activities, in the private and government sectors both on national and international level, is an occasion to practice the FAT philosophy. The records of my involvement, extending way back to the NCRFW, NCWP, ACWO, PNRC, and many others, and as TESDA board member and then CHED commissioner during the tenure of President Arroyo. The records of my accomplishments in the private sector and government service are contained in my service files in the Presidential Management Staff. I will serve at the pleasure of the President and will continue my sworn duty to work for the best interest of the government.

In regard to the letter signed by the directors and union members, everyone is entitled to their own values and opinions. However, many of the signatories, directors and rank and file employees, felt betrayed and even signified their willingness to dispute the letter sent to President Arroyo. Many claimed that their signatures were solicited on different issues, including such as claims for additional employee benefits, as an attendance record of a meeting, and that of different contents as their signatures were made in another page.

In closing, I appeal to media to put in place their effective role as catalyzer for the truth and fairness. They may want to look at the motives and the background of persons that authored the letter. They can visit CHED Office and make an independent fact-finding effort, and thus, truly ascertain those that created the distress and trouble in CHED. — NONA S. RICAFORT, Ph.D., Commissioner, CHED