Private schools return P65M from voucher program amid irregularities - DepEd

Metro Manila, Philippines - Private schools returned around P65 million in senior high school voucher funds as the government addresses irregularities in the program, the Department of Education (DepEd) said on Wednesday.

In a press statement, the agency said 38 out of 54 schools have returned funds for school years 2021-2022 and 2022 to 2023, though it added further investigation will determine whether the irregularities constituted fraud

According to the DepEd, two schools have made partial refunds, while final demand letters will be issued to 14 others.

DepEd initially flagged 12 schools for rolling out vouchers to so-called “ghost students” – those who are not enrolled but are beneficiaries of the program for SY 2023-2024. In a congressional probe in March, the agency told lawmakers that it has terminated the program in 55 institutions from three school years.

Under the voucher program, students who completed Grade 10 in public schools and educational service contracting (ESC) grantees from private institutions are automatically qualified. Others would need to apply and go through evaluation.

The vouchers range from P14,000 to P22,500.

DepEd said it has enhanced oversight and accountability beginning SY 2024 to 2025 and tightened the validation process to prevent similar instances.

“Among these actions are cross-referencing and verification of information and the conduct of 100% system audit as well as random field visits to participating private schools,” it said.

“Further measures are set to be implemented in the coming months, including PEAC’s (Private Education Assistance Committee) validation for the second semester, scheduled to roll out next month, and the establishment of a billing schedule in SY 2025-2026 to streamline the disbursement process,” DepEd added.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara also vowed to hold schools accountable and ‘restore public trust’ in the program.