Reinstatement of CHED exec appealed

The private complainant who filed a case against Commission on Higher Education executive director Julito Vitriolo has appealed a Court of Appeals (CA) ruling that directed the reinstatement of the CHED official.

Oliver Felix, a former faculty member of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM), said he filed a motion for reconsideration before the CA on Wednesday, two days before the allowable period for appeal was set to expire.

“There is an aggravating circumstance that would warrant Vitriolo’s dismissal,” Felix told The STAR in a phone interview.

“He is also facing a criminal case before the Sandiganbayan,” he added, noting that this should prevent him from retaking his post.

Last month, the CA ordered Vitriolo’s reinstatement as CHED executive director after it ruled that the Office of the Ombudsman’s order for his dismissal is too harsh and disproportionate to the infraction that he committed.

Vitriolo was ordered dismissed for failing to investigate an alleged diploma mill at the PLM.

He was found guilty of the administrative offenses of grave misconduct, gross neglect of duty, incompetence and inefficiency.

However, the CA said Vitriolo was only liable of violating Section 5(a) of the Code of Conduct of Public Officials to act promptly on letters and requests.

According to Felix, there is an aggravating circumstance to the case as Vitriolo failed to honor an earlier agreement that he would investigate the diploma mill complaint.

“He continuously refused to investigate it,” he said.

The complainant said Vitriolo should not be allowed to retake his post as the CA order is not yet final and executory. –