DepEd Recoups P65 Million from SHS Voucher Program Following Irregularities

The Department of Education (DepEd) has successfully recovered P65 million from private schools involved in the Senior High School (SHS) Voucher Program after discovering irregularities in fund utilization. The recovery of funds is part of the agency’s broader effort to ensure transparency and accountability in the implementation of the program.

The SHS Voucher Program, a government initiative designed to support students in enrolling in private schools, provides financial subsidies to qualified learners. However, a review by DepEd revealed that some participating schools received funding for students who were either ineligible or had not enrolled. This prompted the agency to launch an investigation and demand the return of misallocated funds.

Efforts to Recover Funds

According to DepEd officials, the P65 million was retrieved from various private schools that failed to comply with program guidelines. The agency conducted an internal audit and found discrepancies in reported student enrollments. Some schools received payments for non-existent students, while others misrepresented data to qualify for higher subsidies.

DepEd spokesperson Undersecretary Michael Poa emphasized that the agency remains committed to safeguarding public funds. He stated that apart from the recovered amount, DepEd is working with the Commission on Audit (COA) to scrutinize financial transactions further and recover any additional funds that may have been misused.

"We take these irregularities seriously, and we will not hesitate to hold accountable those who have violated the rules of the voucher program," Poa said in a press briefing. He also assured the public that DepEd is strengthening its monitoring mechanisms to prevent future abuses.

Impact on Private Schools and Students

Private schools play a crucial role in the SHS Voucher Program, as the initiative allows students from public junior high schools to receive financial aid to enroll in private institutions. While DepEd acknowledged the contributions of compliant schools, it warned that those found guilty of misusing funds could face penalties, including disqualification from the program.

To prevent further irregularities, DepEd is implementing stricter verification processes, such as cross-checking student records with enrollment data and conducting random audits. These measures aim to ensure that only eligible students benefit from the subsidies.

Despite the issues, DepEd reassured stakeholders that the program will continue to support deserving students. The department encouraged affected private schools to cooperate with investigations and return any improperly allocated funds voluntarily.

Calls for Stronger Oversight

Following the discovery of the irregularities, education advocates have called for improved oversight of the SHS Voucher Program. They urged DepEd to implement digital tracking systems and enhance coordination with partner schools to prevent fraudulent claims.

In response, DepEd confirmed that it is working on upgrading its financial management system to detect anomalies more efficiently. The agency is also exploring policy revisions to impose stricter penalties on erring institutions.

As DepEd moves forward with its reforms, officials remain optimistic that the program will continue to serve its intended purpose—helping students access quality education without financial burden while maintaining transparency and accountability.




Sources:

• https://www.rappler.com/philippines/deped-recovers-millions-senior-high-school-voucher-program-amid-irregularities/ 
• https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/940573/deped-recovers-p65m-from-erring-private-schools-in-shs-voucher-program/story/ 
• https://mb.com.ph/2025/3/25/dep-ed-recovers-p65-million-from-erring-private-schools 
• https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/03/26/2431235/deped-recovers-p65-million-schools-voucher-program