Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 18) — The Office of the Ombudsman has found Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Commissioner Jo Mark Libre guilty of nepotism and grave misconduct, and has ordered his dismissal from service.
CHED on Thursday said it was directed by the Ombudsman last week to implement the decision against Libre, who was appointed by former President Rodrigo Duterte to the agency in 2022.
According to the commission, the dismissal stemmed from complaints that Libre allegedly recommended the appointment of his relatives under his immediate supervision.
The penalty carries with it the cancellation of his eligibility, forfeiture of his retirement benefits except for accrued leave credits, and his perpetual disqualification for reemployment in government service.
In 2019, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) Davao Region also found Libre guilty of grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, fabrication of official documents, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of service, CHED noted.
Penalties were imposed against the official, including dismissal from service. However, CHED said Libre challenged the CSC regional office’s decision and that Duterte appointed him while his appeal was under review.
The commission said Chairman Prospero de Vera has issued a memorandum transferring to other members of CHED the 24 state universities and colleges (SUCs) where Libre served as chairman-designate of the Board of Regents to ensure the continuity of educational services and programs there.
