THE Department of Education (DepEd) is investigating 12 private schools for allegedly enrolling “ghost students” as beneficiaries of the government’s voucher program.
DepEd officials have stated that they are unable to locate these students, raising concerns about potential misuse of public funds.
The Senior High School Voucher Program provides financial assistance to students attending senior high school in private institutions. Under the program, incoming Grade 11 students who graduated from public elementary and high schools automatically receive a voucher worth P14,000 to P22,500. Students from private schools who are not grantees of DepEd’s Education Service Contracting Program can also apply for the voucher program.
“We take these allegations seriously. Any form of misuse of public funds will not be tolerated. This investigation is a necessary step as we pursue the truth and hold accountable those responsible,” said Education Secretary Sonny Angara.
“In line with this, DepEd has initiated recourse actions, including preparation for the termination of the schools’ accreditation and collating pieces of evidence against responsible individuals,” he added.
DepEd is currently reviewing legal options against those found to be involved in the alleged “ghost student” scheme.
