CHED executive director quits after Licuanan resignation

Commission on Higher Education (CHED) executive director Karol Mark Yee has submitted his irrevocable resignation to President Rodrigo Duterte citing "unceasing harassment and of relentless threats" against him.

In a letter dated January 30, Yee said his resignation would be effective starting Wednesday, or less than six months since he was appointed in July last year.

"As the President may be aware, following my appointment last July 2017, there have been ongoing legal and political challenges that have since constrained the full exercise of my authority and duty," Yee said.

"Through this time however, I have been at the receiving end of unceasing harassment and of relentless threats against my life and person, which has caused me great personal and psychological strain, that has ultimately made it exceedingly difficult to further proceed," he added.

Yee's resignation also came two weeks after CHED chairperson Patricia Licuanan left her post after receiving a phone call from Malacañang asking her to step down.

Duterte appointed Yee to the post to replace Julito Vitriolo.

Vitriolo has since been engaged in a leadership row with Yee after he was dismissed by the Office of the Ombudsman over the alleged diploma mill at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila in 2012.

The Court of Appeals overturned the decision and ruled in favor of Vitriolo's reinstatement in August last year.

However, Malacañang said the dismissal of Vitriolo remained executory pending a final decision from the CA.

Despite the challenges at CHED, Yee said he had worked tirelessly in supporting the programs of Duterte, especially the Free Tuition Act, and "by focusing on the much needed strengthening of internal systems and processes within the Commission."

Yee said he hopes Duterte and newly-appointed officer-in-charge Prospero "Popoy" de Vera can protect CHED "from destructive interests of a few who have for decades now constrained the agency from attaining its full potential in its service of the Filipino people."

He, nonetheless, thanked Duterte and his colleagues for giving him the opportunity to serve at CHED.

"I am grateful to the President for the rare opportunity to be of service under this government and to work for education, as has been my only desire," Yee said.

"I am also thankful to my colleagues in the Commission, who themselves have shown much courage and steadfastness during these trying times, and our many partners in the higher education sector, who have welcomed and supported me through the years," he added.—NB, GMA News