DepEd: 12 private schools investigated for 'ghost students'

The Department of Education is investigating 12 private schools for allegedly having "ghost students" listed as beneficiaries of the government's voucher program but whose whereabouts could not be traced.

According to Raffy Tima's report on "State of the Nation," the Senior High School Voucher Program is a financial assistance program for students attending senior high school in private schools.

Incoming Grade 11 students who finished elementary in public schools will automatically receive a voucher worth P14,000 to P22,500.

Students from private schools who are not grantees of the DepEd’s Education Service Contracting Program may apply for inclusion in 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,” Education Secretary Sonny Angara said.

“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.

Angara also said DepEd is exploring potential legal measures against those proven accountable.

Deped urged the public to report irregularities in their program at walangkorapsyon@deped.gov.ph. –Celine Serquina/NB, GMA Integrated News