Surigao del Norte 2nd district Rep. Robert Ace Barbers has expressed concern over the highly questionable involvement of the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) with the Commission on Higher Education Education (CHEd). Barbers contends that the OSG’s partnership with CHEd renders the legal department of the commission totally useless.
According to Barbers, the OSG is allegedly being paid by CHEd to provide legal advice and opinions on matters concerning the commission. This arrangement seems to violate the law and raises concerns about conflict of interest and double compensation.
Barbers pointed out that during a recent meeting of the governing board of a state university or college (SUC), the presence of two OSG lawyers failed to address crucial questions. The issue of prohibiting elected officials from being appointed to other government positions, as well as potential amendments to the term limit of eight years for SUC presidents, went unanswered.
Barbers, who also chairs the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs, emphasized that if this practice continues, the government may struggle to find legal defenders in court cases. He argues that hiring the OSG in substitution of legal departments violates the Constitution and laws on conflict of interest and double compensation.
The dismissal of former Commissioner Jo Mark Libre by the Office of the Ombudsman, due to grave misconduct and nepotism, adds further complexities to the situation.
Barbers expressed surprise at these developments and questioned the accuracy of Libre’s statements regarding the OSG’s involvement with CHEd, remarking that the OSG’s services are not libre or free.
The concerns raised by Barbers highlight the need to investigate the relationship between CHEd and the OSG and ensure adherence to legal and ethical standards. If the OSG continues to play a significant role in matters concerning CHEd, the effectiveness and independence of CHEd’s legal department may be compromised.
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