De Vera denies graft allegations

Source: The Manila times
Author: Red Mendoza

MANILA, Philippines: Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) Chairman Julian Prospero de Vera 3rd denied allegations that he favored a supplier.

Suspended CHEd Commissioner Aldrin Darilag filed graft and corruption charges against de Vera for allegedly favoring Aspen even though it did not comply with the requirements of Republic Act 9184 or the procurement law.

Darilag claimed that he was also prohibited, on orders of de Vera, from entering CHEd premises and interacting with officials and employees of the commission, while his staff were prevented from performing any work related to his office.

In a statement sent late last night, de Vera said that while he was not able to respond to the allegations as he did not know the specifics of the case, he stressed that he was not a part of any bids or awards committee in the Commission or any state university or college, and that he was not in a position to manipulate procurement activities.

"Any complaints of violation of bidding procedures must therefore be addressed to, and resolved by the CHEd commission en banc or the Board of Regents of individual SUCs," de Vera said.

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He also said that his suspension order was issued by the Executive Secretary and was served to him as per the directive of the Office of the President.

He said the Office of the President instructed CHEd to form a fact-finding committee to investigate allegations against Darilag.

De Vera also said that Darilag's staff were not prohibited to go to CHEd, as no memorandum was issued regarding this.