DepEd halts P52M in subsidies over eligibility concerns

Around P200 million in government subsidies were withheld last year due to discrepancies in claims from private schools participating in the senior high school voucher program.

Tara C. Rama, DepEd's project manager for government assistance and subsidies, told the House Committee on Basic Education that billing statements submitted by private schools are processed through a learner's information system before payments are made.

The committee launched an investigation into alleged 'ghost students' who do not have valid records or no longer attend classes in the voucher program.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara halted the release of nearly P52 million in subsidies to private schools amid concerns over eligibility and transparency, preventing a potential defraudment.

Fifty-five schools have been terminated from participating in the subsidy program, with 12 currently under investigation for issues related to ghost students and unqualified beneficiaries.

The committee hearing also surfaced reports of vouchers going toward students who do not need them, raising concerns about the voucher system's effectiveness and oversight.