Manila: Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara has assured that stricter measures are now in place to prevent irregularities in the Senior High School (SHS) voucher program, particularly issues involving alleged 'ghost students.' During a Palace press briefing, Angara emphasized that the agency has initiated legal actions and implemented system improvements, along with more stringent data consolidation, to avoid similar concerns in the future.
According to Philippines News Agency, the revamped strategy includes strengthened program governance under the Expanded Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education (E-GASTPE). Angara explained, "We have changed the system. Before, it was immediately paid, the voucher payment is advanced. Now, we are really looking into the results and enrollment." He further elaborated on the implementation of safeguards both at the school level and the DepEd level, involving the consolidation of databases, which was not done previously.
The safeguards introduced include a five-step validation framework to ensure that SHS voucher subsidies are only issued to eligible students. This framework consists of cross-checking between the voucher management system and the learner information system, resolving data discrepancies, conducting post-audit monitoring visits to participating private schools, carrying out site inspections in field offices, and revalidating learner eligibility and enrollment status during the second semester.
In terms of legal proceedings, Angara mentioned that they have already filed seven cases against erring private schools and imposed criminal charges against individuals involved in ineligible claims. These cases pertain to a total of PHP37.58 million worth of releases, which are currently undergoing legal processes. "I think there's still a dozen under investigation nearing completion," Angara stated.
Additionally, the DepEd has successfully prevented the release of at least PHP200 million to ineligible beneficiaries in the school years 2023-2024 and 2024-2025. The department is also in the process of finalizing updated guidelines to recognize SHS under the voucher program, aiming to align private schools' participation with quality and accountability standards.
