It stems from the recent directives of the commission to close down campuses of the system in Cebu, Davao, and Tuguegarao.
In a report published by Bilyonaryo, AMA Education System (AMAES) President Engr. Arnel Hibo was told to have filed a complaint before the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) against Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Shirley Agrupis.
The nature of the complaint is said to be “extremely urgent” following two “derogatory advisories,” as well as third one, issued by said.
These, according to AMAES, have “caused significant damage to the institution and its stakeholders,” saying that these ruined its reputation and led to confusion and concern among students, parents, and the institution’s business partners.
“In an effort to resolve the matter diplomatically, AMAES said it sought a clarificatory discussion with the CHED Chairperson through formal letters sent on April 27, April 29, and May 8,” the article added.
But in spite of repeated requests for a dialogue, AMAES said no response was received after more than two weeks, prompting the filing of the ARTA complaint.
Additionally, AMA also claimed that the monitoring visits that CHED used for its decisions were happened at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic,
CHED’S STATEMENT
In light of the said article, the commission issued its own statement on Monday (May 18) to refute the claims made by AMAES.
“The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) reiterates its steadfast commitment to quality education in both public and private higher education institutions (HEIs) by safeguarding the welfare of students, parents, and stakeholders through strict compliance with legal requirements,” the agency said.
It clarified that as part of its mandate, the CHED may issue closure orders against non-compliant HEIs.
“Recently, the CHED Commission En Banc (CEB) issued Resolution Nos. 091-2026, 092-2026, and 093-2026 approving the immediate closure of identified programs of AMA Computer Colleges in Cebu, Davao, and Tuguegarao,” it stated.
On the alleged inaction on AMA’s letters, CHED said that the commission has yet to officially receive a copy of the alleged complaint cited in the said Bilyonaryo report.
It added, “CHED firmly rejects the unfounded and misleading allegations directed against the Commission and its Chairperson, Dr. Shirley Agrupis.”
The ARTA complaint, as well as the allegations directed at the CHED Chairperson, it also stated, appear to “divert attention from the substantive regulatory issue surrounding the institution’s non-compliance with existing CHED policies and standards.”
The commission also maintained that its actions were undertaken in accordance with law, due process, and its responsibility to uphold the integrity and quality of the higher education system.
“CHED respectfully informs AMA that remedies are available under the law to protect its rights against the closure orders,” it underscored. “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.“
The AMA Education System has a network of around 150 schools nationwide.