CHED condemns ‘trial by publicity’ on alleged ARTA complaint

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) condemned “trial by publicity” on Monday, following the alleged Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) complaint filed against its chief.

“As of this publication today, the ARTA center confirmed no ARTA filed yet,” CHED Chairperson Shirley C. Agrupis told  BusinessWorld  on a Viber message.

“CHED condemns trial by publicity, especially when it comes to policy implementation,” she added.

According to the commission, the closure orders issued to non-compliant higher education institutions (HEIs) are part of its regulatory actions and   were “undertaken in accordance with law, due process, and its responsibility to uphold the integrity and quality of the higher education system.”

This comes after the immediate closure order of identified programs in AMA Computer Colleges in Cebu, Davao, and Tuguegarao, issued by the CHED Commission en banc. under the Resolution Nos. 091-2026, 092-2026, and 093-2026.

The commission, however, clarified that concerned HEIs still have “remedies” on the issue. “CHED respectfully informs AMA that remedies are available under the law to protect its rights against the closure orders,” it said.

CHED also countered claims from AMAES on repeated failure to respond. The commission said that Ms. Agrupis sent a letter-reply dated May 7 to AMAES President Arnel F. Hibo on matters concerning the closure.

“The ARTA complaint, as well as the allegations directed at the CHED Chairperson, appear to divert attention from the substantive regulatory issue surrounding the institution’s non-compliance with existing CHED policies and standards,” the commission said in a statement.

For its part, the AMAES said the closure advisories have caused “significant damage to the institution and its stakeholders.”

“Its unfettered dissemination ruined its reputation and led to confusion and concern among students, parents, and the institution’s business partners,” it said in a news release.

In relation to the issue, CHED warned HEIs to submit their concerns through proper channels instead of ‘publicity stunts’.

“CHED likewise encourages all HEIs to refrain from coursing its issues through the media whenever they have concerns because CHED will not dignify publicity stunts by any higher education institution under its regulatory jurisdiction,” it said in a statement. — Almira Louise S. Martinez