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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DepEd investigates 12 private schools for alleged 'ghost students' in SHS voucher program

DepEd investigates 12 private schools for alleged 'ghost students' in SHS voucher program

Published Feb 17, 2025 09:21 am

At A Glance

  • The DepEd Central Office is currently investigating the alleged presence of "ghost students" in the Senior High School Voucher Program (SHS VP), involving 12 private schools across nine regions.
  • DepEd is also conducting a "thorough investigation" into personnel and officials who may be involved in this fraudulent activity, which could result in the termination of a school's participation in the SHS VP.
  • Among the possible actions are preparations for the termination of the schools' accreditation and the collection of evidence against those responsible.
  • DepEd assured the public that it will provide the necessary assistance to "affected, legitimate students" to ensure their continued education without disruption.

The Department of Education (DepEd) confirmed on Monday, Feb. 17, that an investigation has been launched into a dozen private schools across nine divisions over allegations of listing “ghost students” to receive government subsidies under the Senior High School Voucher Program (SHS VP).

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(DepEd / Manila Bulletin)

In a statement, DepEd said its Central Office is “currently investigating” the alleged presence of “ghost students” under the SHS VP involving 12 private schools.

“We take these allegations seriously,” said DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara. “Any form of misuse of public funds intended for critical education programs will not be tolerated,” he added.

DepEd also announced that it is conducting a “thorough investigation” into personnel and officials who may be involved in this fraudulent activity, which could result in the termination of a school’s participation in the SHS VP.

As part of President Marcos’ directive to promote transparency and accountability, DepEd said it is swiftly acting to ensure the integrity of its funds and the program’s implementation.

“This investigation is a necessary step as we pursue the truth and hold accountable those responsible,” Angara added.

Next steps

DepEd said it has initiated recourse actions, including preparations for the termination of the schools’ accreditation and the collection of evidence against responsible individuals.

The agency is also exploring “potential legal measures against those found culpable, including administrative and criminal sanctions, in accordance with existing laws and regulations.”

DepEd assured the public that it will provide necessary assistance to affected, legitimate students to ensure their “continued education without disruption.”

The SHS VP is a financial assistance program by DepEd that provides subsidies in the form of vouchers to qualified Grade 11 and 12 learners or SHS students in participating private schools, allowing them to access quality education with financial support.

While reiterating its commitment to strengthening monitoring mechanisms to “prevent similar incidents in the future,” DepEd encouraged the public to anonymously report any irregularities related to the implementation of its programs at [email protected]

Related Tags

DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara senior high school voucher program (SHS-VP) DEPED senior high school students shs VP
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