AMAES Elevates Complaint Against CHED to Anti-Red Tape Authority

AMA Education System (AMAES) has formally brought its concerns against the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) before the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), accusing CHED Chairperson Shirley C. Agrupis of failing to act promptly on multiple official requests for dialogue and clarification.

The complaint was filed by AMAES President Engr. Arnel F. Hibo following what the institution described as prolonged inaction from CHED despite several formal communications sent over the past weeks. AMAES operates nearly 150 schools nationwide, including campuses managed through franchise partnerships, with AMA University recognized as a CHED-accredited autonomous institution.

At the center of the dispute are a series of advisories issued by CHED that AMAES claims negatively affected the institution’s reputation and created uncertainty among students, parents, and stakeholders. According to the school network, the public circulation of the advisories resulted in confusion and raised concerns regarding the institution’s operations and compliance standing.

AMAES explained that it attempted to settle the matter through proper channels by sending formal letters to the CHED Chairperson dated April 27, April 29, and May 8. The institution sought a clarificatory meeting to better understand the basis of the advisories and to raise concerns regarding what it believed was a lack of due process.

The education group also questioned the monitoring activities cited by CHED, noting that the inspections were conducted during the pandemic period when schools had shifted to online learning systems and remote operations.

After receiving no response for more than two weeks, AMAES decided to escalate the matter by filing a complaint before ARTA, citing alleged violations related to government responsiveness and public service efficiency under the Anti-Red Tape Law.

The institution further expressed disappointment over what it described as an apparent disregard for stakeholder concerns, emphasizing the importance of open communication and accountability between educational institutions and regulatory agencies.