DepEd probing if own personnel involved in 'ghost student' scheme

The Department of Education (DepEd) is looking into the possibility that its own personnel were involved in the scheme on "ghost students" or undocumented beneficiaries in the senior high school (SHS) voucher program.

On Wednesday, Education Secretary Sonny Angara said that those proven accountable in the fraudulent activity will be facing penalties.

“‘Yun talaga pinag-aaralan namin dahil ‘yung ibang impormasyon, iilang tao lang ang may hawak doon. So, ‘yun talaga titignan namin kung may kasabwat dito,” Angara said in ambush interview in Pasay City.

(That's what we're really investigating because only a few people have information on the voucher program. We're looking at the possibility that there's an accomplice here.)

“Dati, may nakita kami may kasabwat na, although ‘yung mga ‘yun, wala na sa DepEd ‘yun at kinasuhan na,” he added.

(We already found people before who were accomplices. They are no longer with DepEd and cases were filed against them.)

The Education Department announced earlier this week that its central office has been investigating the alleged presence of ghost students under the SHS voucher program in 12 private schools across 9 divisions.

The agency said that it has implemented necessary actions, including preparation for the termination of the schools’ accreditation and collating pieces of evidence against responsible individuals.

The DepEd said that those found culpable may face administrative and criminal sanctions, in accordance with existing laws and regulations.

Perjury cases

Angara, meanwhile, said that perjury cases may also be filed against certain individuals.

“Yes, dapat may penalty tayo at saka para hindi na maulit, hindi na subok nang subok. At saka hindi lang ‘yung eskwelahan, pati ‘yung mga opisyales ng eskwelahan, dahil may pinipirmahan ‘yan under oath eh. Pwedeng kasuhan ng perjury ‘yan kung tutuusin,” the DepEd chief said.

(We should have penalties so this will not be repeated. It’s not only for the schools, but also the school officials because they made an oath. Perjury cases may be filed against them.)

The SHS 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.

Meanwhile, students from private schools who are not grantees of the DepEd’s Education Service Contracting Program may apply for inclusion in the voucher program.

The DepEd is encouraging the public to anonymously report any irregularities related to the implementation of its programs at walangkorapsyon@deped.gov.ph. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News