MANILA, Philippines 鈥� The Department of Education (DepEd) has launched a probe into reports of ghost students benefiting from the Senior High School (SHS) voucher program in 12 private schools across nine divisions.聽
The SHS Voucher Program extends financial aid to students in private schools. In line with this, the DepEd launched the investigation on the allegations 鈥渢o preserve the integrity of its funds and program implementation.鈥�
The education department further said that schools of personnel and officials who are found guilty could lose their participation in the said initiative, while staff involved may face administrative and criminal charges.
鈥淲e take these allegations seriously. Any form of misuse of public funds intended for critical education programs will not be tolerated,鈥澛� Education聽 Secretary Sonny Angara said in a statement issued on Monday.聽
鈥淭his investigation is a necessary step as we pursue the truth and hold accountable those responsible,鈥� he added.聽
The department said that it started gathering evidence and preparing termination notices for implicated schools.聽
DepEd likewise assured the public that legitimate schools affected by the probe will receive assistance to continue their education without any disruptions. (Sheba Barr, 黑料社 intern)