MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Education (DepEd) said on Monday, February 17, that it is investigating the alleged presence of ghost students in 12 private schools under its senior high school (SHS) voucher program, which subsidizes tuition.
The 12 private schools being investigated are classified under nine schools division offices (SDOs).
Below are the concerned SDOs, listed in a message sent by the DepEd to Rappler.
National Capital Region
- SDO Quezon City – 1 school
Ilocos Region
- SDO Pangasinan – 2 schools
Central Luzon
- SDO Bulacan – 3 schools
- SDO Tarlac – 1 school
- SDO Pampanga – 1 school
Calabarzon
- SDO Rizal – 1 school
Eastern Visayas
- SDO Northern Samar – 1 school
Davao Region
- SDO Davao del Sur – 1 school
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao
- SDO Maguindanao – 1 school
“We take these allegations seriously. Any form of misuse of public funds intended for critical education programs will not be tolerated. This investigation is a necessary step as we pursue the truth and hold accountable those responsible,” Education Secretary Sonny Angara said in a statement.
If found guilty, the schools would be removed from the SHS voucher program. The DepEd is also considering legal action, including administrative and criminal sanctions, against those responsible.
The SHS voucher program is aimed at helping students who have completed Grade 10 in public or accredited private schools to continue their education in Grades 11 and 12 at private institutions.
The financial aid varies based on the type of school the student chooses to enroll in, with voucher amounts ranging from P14,000 to P22,500 per year.
The DepEd assured the public that it will provide assistance to “legitimate” students who may be affected by the potential fallout from the matter.
The department also urged the public to report any fraudulent activities relating to its services by emailing walangkorapsyon@deped.gov.ph. – Rappler.com