Senate to probe senior high school voucher disbursement

Metro Manila, Philippines - The Senate is poised to investigate senior high school (SHS) voucher disbursements to unauthorized beneficiaries based on disclosures from the Department of Education (DepEd).

In a press statement, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada said he filed a resolution urging the committee on basic education to hold an inquiry in aid of legislation.

DepEd data showed that there were a number of cases in seven regions, including Metro Manila, Ilocos, and Central Luzon. The agency earlier said twelve private schools across nine divisions were involved in the scheme.

Under the SHS voucher program, students who completed Grade 10 in public schools and educational service contracting 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.

In a statement on Wednesday, Feb. 19, Win Gatchalian, who heads the Senate committee on basic education, arts and culture, said previous investigations revealed that documentary and qualification issues on the program involved nearly 12,000 students in school years 2020-2021 and 2022-2023.

“(This) resulted in a projected refund of P310.04 million, with P239.3 million still to be returned to the government,” he said.

Estrada said “Congress may need to legislate measures to strengthen the SHS voucher program, identify prohibited acts, and impose more stringent penalties for violation.”

“It is imperative for the government to monitor the proper implementation of the SHS voucher program to ensure that public funds are judiciously allocated and that the intended beneficiaries of the said program are not deprived of the assistance they need,” he said.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara earlier told NewsWatch Plus institutions involved in the scheme will no longer be entitled to vouchers and may face other possible penalties.

In a chance interview on Wednesday in Pasay City, the DepEd chief said school officials should also be penalized.

“Pati iyong mga opisyales, dahil may pinipirmahan iyan under oath eh, pwede kasuhan ng perjury kung tutuusin eh,” he said.

[Translation: That includes officials too because they signed under oath. A perjury case may be filed against them.]