Ex-CHED official gets new dismissal order

MANILA, Philippines — The Office of the Ombudsman has slapped another dismissal order against former Commission on Higher Education (CHED) executive director Julito Vitriolo for conduct prejudicial to public interest.

The ombudsman found Vitriolo liable for conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service and simple misconduct, refusal to perform official duties/misconduct in violation of Section 4 or Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

The dismissal was based on a complaint filed by former CHED  chairperson Patricia Licuanan against Vitriolo in 2016 when he called for her resignation.

In asking for Licuanan’s resignation, the ombudsman said Vitriolo overstepped the bounds of propriety and ethical standards for inducing others to seek her replacement.

“CHED fully supports the efforts of the ombudsman to expedite action on cases against public officials,” CHED chairman Prospero de Vera said in a statement.

Vitriolo was also suspended by Ombudsman Samuel Martires for three months due to his issuance of a memorandum recommending that CHED issue a provisional permit in favor of a private school.

The memorandum violated CHED’s en banc resolution, which earlier disapproved the school’s application.

In December 2016, former ombudsman Conchita Morales dismissed Vitriolo over the alleged irregularities at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila.