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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider CHED vows probe, cooperation with COA over P20-billion 'unliquidated' education subsidy funds

CHED vows probe, cooperation with COA over P20-billion 'unliquidated' education subsidy funds

Published Jan 8, 2026 10:39 am
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) launched an internal review and pledged full cooperation with the Commission on Audit (COA) over P20-billion unliquidated education subsidy funds under the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) program. (CHED)
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) launched an internal review and pledged full cooperation with the Commission on Audit (COA) over P20-billion unliquidated education subsidy funds under the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) program. (CHED)
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) announced it has launched an internal review and pledged full cooperation with investigators following a Commission on Audit (COA) report flagging P20 billion in unliquidated and delayed education subsidy grants under the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) program.
In a statement on January 7, CHED Chairperson Shirley Agrupis said she was “deeply disturbed” by the COA findings. She clarified that the questioned transactions occurred under the “previous administration” but has directed CHED offices to thoroughly study the COA report, trace any anomalous payments, and identify individuals responsible for violations of laws and regulations governing public funds.
“These transpired under the previous administration, and I have directed the concerned offices in the Commission to study the report assiduously, trace any anomalous payments of funds transferred to various HEIs, and identify those responsible for breaches of applicable laws and rules,” Agrupis said.
She warned that the COA findings expose the funds to the risk of irregular, if not outright illegal, payments under the TES scheme of Republic Act No. 10931, or the Universal Access to Quality Education Act. Agrupis also assured the public that she and all CHED officials would fully cooperate with investigative bodies examining the handling of TES funds.
“I wish to assure the public that under my watch, the Universal Access to Quality Education Act will be properly implemented, its funds administered in accordance with law, and all powers of the Commission will be used to ensure that our functions are performed strictly in accordance with rules on government spending and auditing regulations,” she added.
CHED said it will release another public report once the review is completed, detailing evidence-based findings and actions to address the COA report.
The TES program provides financial assistance to qualified students in public and private higher education institutions, making proper fund liquidation a matter of significant public concern. 

Related Tags

CHED P20 billion TES funds Tertiary Education Subsidy 2026 COA report Philippine higher education funding Universal Access to Quality Education Act CHED Chairperson Shirley Agrupis
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