Sa isang pahayag na ipinadala sa mga miyembro ng media, kinumpirma ni Licuanan na nakatanggap siya ng tawag mula kay Medialdea.
“Over the weekend I received a call from Executive Secretary Medialdea asking me to resign as chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education. While my term by law ends in July 2018, I have decided it is time to go,” sabi ni Licuanan.
Tahasang inakusahan ni Licuanan anf ilang indibidwal na umano’y determinadong matanggal siya sa kanyang puwesto.
“It has become obvious that there are persons determined to get me out of CHED by hurling false and baseless accusations against me in what appears to be a fishing expedition and a well-orchestrated move in media,” idinagdag ni Licuanan.
Nauna nang inakusahan si Licuanan ng sobra-sobrang biyahe sa iba’t ibang bansa.
“I was first accused of excessive travel. When records revealed that I travelled eight times officially in 2017 (with only five of these trips paid for by government), five times in 2016, six times in 2015, two times in 2014, and only three times in 2013, the accusation turned to travel without authority from the Office of the President,” ayon pa kay Licuanan.
Kasabay nito, binatikos ni Licuanan ang umano’y malisyosong alegasyon laban sa kanya.
“I must strongly denounce malicious allegations of corruption and mismanagement of funds. It has been my personal commitment to stamp out corruption in CHED since day one, despite the odds and the strong resistance. The K to 12 Transition Program has been implemented with the highest level of ethical stewardship and every peso is accounted for,” giit ni Licuanan.
Itinanggi rin ni Licuanan ang mga akusasyon laban sa kanya.
“Although I vehemently deny the accusations against me, it is time to resign as my continued presence in CHED is inimical to the interest of the institution. It will only serve as lightning rod to attract more controversy that is distracting the agency from vigorously pursuing urgent reforms that will redound to the benefit of future generations of Filipinos,” sabi pa ni Licuanan.