MANILA – The Department of Education (DepEd) has so far recovered P65 million from erring private schools on the Senior High School voucher program, as the investigation on the anomalies continue. 

In a release, DepEd said of the 54 private schools tagged for irregularities, 38 have “fully refunded the government,” while two schools made partial refunds. 

“However, 14 schools have yet to return the funds, and final demand letters will be issued to ensure compliance,” DepEd said. 

DepEd probing 12 private schools possibly defrauding 'voucher program'

“DepEd noted that further investigation is needed to determine whether these financial irregularities constitute fraud,” the agency said on the funds recovered. 

Twelve schools are still being investigated by DepEd under SY 2023-2024, while 3 schools have been flagged by the Government Assistance and Subsidies Service and a report has already been submitted to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for a parallel probe. 

DepEd said it coordinated with the Private Education Assistance Committee to boost oversight and accountability for the current school year.  

“Among these actions are cross-referencing and verification of information and the conduct of 100 percent system audit as well as random field visits to participating private schools,” DepEd said. 

Schools begin refund of gov't subsidies after irregularities in DepEd voucher program

“DepEd’s regional and schools division offices have been mobilized to carry out inspections and submit detailed reports to the Central Office. Tightening of the validation processes have likewise been implemented to ensure that only eligible learners benefit from the program,” it added. 

Aside from this, the agency said its Private Education Office is already developing stricter regulatory compliance. 

“The Information and Communications Technology Service (ICTS) is likewise enhancing digital safeguards, including features on audit trail, automated email notifications for system changes, and a full school history of learners,” the release read. 

DepEd earlier said it has terminated the participation of 55 schools in its senior high school voucher program amid allegations of "ghost students."

Participating schools usually have about 100 to 1,000 beneficiaries each. The voucher is worth P14,000 to P22,500 depending on the location of the student.

COCOPEA backs DepEd probe into 'ghost' students to improve voucher program

Last month, the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Association said it supports DepEd's probe on alleged "ghost students". It stressed a "more efficient" targeting of beneficiaries can help the voucher program be safer from potential fraud.