FIRST, a vote of confidence for CHEd Commissioner Aldrin Darilag who is facing scrutiny, supposedly because his wife had traveled with him at government expense. I will repeat what I wrote earlier: I know Aldrin Darilag to be a decent man. He used to teach at St. Paul University Manila before his appointment to the commission. I made his acquaintance, and I was immediately impressed by his humility.

He calls no attention to himself but does what he ought to do. He does not come across as some kind of 'inquisitor' in the likeness of someone I have frequently ranted against at CHEd is wont to do. He is a friend to university and college heads. Rather than some aloof fault-finder, he is one who enables the institutions within his scope of supervision to comply with requirements and standards. He is the victim of intrigue sown by one who cannot count on him as a sycophant. He is disliked because he dares to take a stand and is not silenced by the glowering stare of one who has lorded it over what is supposed to be — by design of law — a collegial body. So, no, Aldrin Darilag is not one who makes use of the perks of office for private gain or advantage. He has protested his innocence in his public announcements, and I vouch for him — something I do not easily and frequently do.