President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. did what was absolutely right when, amid the 2025 Cabinet reshuffle, he appointed Shirley A. Agrupis the new CHEd chairperson and the following as its new commissioners: Marita R. Canapi, Ethel Agnes P. Valenzuela and Desiderio R. Apag III.

The aftermath of the corruption in the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) is that of Filipino students ranking among the lowest in the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) conducted by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

Corruption in the CHEd significantly hinders the quality and accessibility of higher education. It leads to the misallocation of resources, undermines the integrity of the accreditation process, and creates an unfair playing field for students and institutions. This ultimately impacts the country’s human capital development and economic progress.

Simply said, when CHEd prioritizes making money over teaching, the following devastating consequences may follow:

Negative impact on the economy. A poorly educated workforce leads to lower productivity and economic growth. Corruption leads to a mismatch between the skills provided by the education system and the needs of the job market, hindering economic growth.

Reduced quality of education. Corruption can lead universities and colleges to lower admission standards or grant degrees to unqualified individuals, resulting in a decline in the overall quality of graduates.

Lack of resources. Funds meant for improving facilities, resources and faculty development are diverted, leading to an inadequate learning environment.

When corruption influences degree programs and accreditation processes, it leads to graduates who lack the skills needed by the job market, resulting in unemployment and underemployment.

Corruption may discourage academic honesty and integrity, as students may feel compelled to resort to dishonest practices to succeed.

When corruption is confirmed, or even only perceived in CHEd, it can lead to widespread distrust in the entire education system, in universities and colleges.

Access to education is hindered. Corruption drives up the cost of education with bribes, informal fees, and inflated prices of resources, making it less accessible to those from the lower socioeconomic strata.

Educational materials and supplies are sold instead of being distributed free. Unauthorized fees are charged by public colleges and universities.

Discrimination thrives. Corruption favors certain groups (e.g., those with connections or wealth). Relatives of powerful regents corner scholarships. Parents of deserving scholars are made to sign documents saying they received the grants, but what they got was half or much less than what their children were entitled to.

Corruption in education can exacerbate existing social inequalities, as the most vulnerable individuals are disproportionately affected by its negative consequences.

In conclusion, corruption in CHEd, or any educational commission, is detrimental to the entire educational system. It undermines access to quality education and the public trust, leading to a poorly skilled workforce, increased social inequalities, and a weakened economy.