CHEd boss defends posting of USM head

Commission on Higher Education Chairman Emmanuel Angeles on Wednesday defended his decision to install the newly elected president of the state-owned University of Southern Mindanao in Kabacan, North Cotabato, despite objections from some university faculty and staff members.

Angeles administered the oath to USM president Jesus Antonio Derije in his office at the CHEd building in Quezon City on Monday.

"It is already too late," Angeles said when sought for comment about the opposition, saying that those against Derije should have voiced their complaints during the screening process for the nominees for the post.

"They should have done it before the screening process," Angeles said, adding that his office had not received any formal complaint against Derije.

Angeles said that if a formal complaint is filed and evidence is presented, he will "create a fact-finding committee to investigate the allegations."

"We have to follow due process," Angeles said.

Derije won the presidency in a tight 6-5 vote by members of the university’s Board of Regents against incumbent USM vice president Palasig Ampang.

Derije is accused of being "unfit" for the post due to alleged dishonesty and involvement in a cattle-rustling case in 1989, accusations which Derije has denied.

Referring to the allegation that Derije and fellow fraternity members had stolen a cow and slaughtered it, Angeles said: "That is a case that has already been settled 20 years ago when he was still a student." (By Edson C. Tandoc Jr.)

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Congratulations Brod Jess Derije. The University of Southern Mindanao (my Alma Mater) deserves you , no less.. Brod Mau