DepEd recovers over P100M from schools involved in voucher program anomalies

On Wednesday, the Department of Education (DepEd) announced it could recover over P100 million from private schools involved in alleged anomalies within the Senior High School Voucher Program.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara stated that the amount recovered exceeds the previously reported P65 million and noted ongoing investigations may result in a higher total recovery.

Angara emphasized the department's efforts to strengthen oversight and prevent future misuse of funds intended for students, while also filing both civil and criminal cases against involved schools to deter fraudulent activities.

DepEd is working with the Private Education Assistance Committee (PEAC) to enhance accountability during the current school year as part of ongoing reforms.

The voucher program, launched in 2015, provides financial subsidies directly to private schools for eligible Grade 11 and 12 students, aiming to help them complete their senior high school education.