MANILA, Philippines — Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Executive Director Atty. Julito Vitriolo has on Monday, 21 October 2019, issued a stern memorandum and copy-furnished all CHED officials including the chairman and commissioners regarding his reinstatement even as he also urged them all to move on as there are many backlogged works to do owing to his long absence.

“If you send back your budget to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) that effect will be slashed in your next fiscal year budget,” Vitriolo said.

In his memo to CHED Chairman Dr. J. Prospero “Popoy” E. De Vera III and the four commissioners, Vitriolo cited the issuance of a writ of quo warranto by the Regional Trial Court Branch 83 of Quezon City on 16.

The writ effectively ousted and excluded Atty. Cinderala Jaro from performing the functions and duties of officer-in-charge of the office of the executive director and placed Vitriolo as the legitimate executive director of the CHED.

On 15 October 2019, Quezon City Regional Trial Court Presiding Judge Ralph S. Lee ordered Jaro to vacate the office immediately as she is ousted and excluded to continue holding the position.

“Wherefore, premises considered, respondent Atty. Cinderella Filipina-Benitez Jaro is declared guilty of usurpation of the office of executive director lV of CHED and is ousted and excluded therefrom effective immediately. Consequently, the petitioner, in the interest of public service must forthwith assume the office and functions of executive director of the CHED without loss of seniority rights and his right to benefits and backwages as mandated by the Court of Appeals and affirmed by the Supreme Court,” Judge Lee’s order stated.

It can be recalled that on 3 June 2019, the SC dismissed the petition for review of the Ombudsman against Vitriolo for lack of merit.

The SC denied the petition for review on Certiorari of the Ombudsman and affirmed the CA decision ordering CHED to reinstate Vitriolo to his position and give his backwages, salaries close to three years, including benefits and other entitlements.

Atty. Napoleon Galit, counsel of Vitriolo, said the order of the SC was final and executory as evidence with the entry of judgment and it should be implemented without delay and no one could stop or prevent it.

Vitriolo was accused of gross negligence of his duty, grave misconduct, inefficient, among others.

The case stemmed from the complaints against the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) for the alleged unauthorized programs and for alleged advise given to the PLM Board of Regents to issue diplomas and transcript of records to students on vested rights. (IAmigo/CNS)