SENATE President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada has called for a Senate investigation into the reported presence of “ghost students” in the Department of Education’s Senior High School (SHS) Voucher Program, stressing the need to implement necessary remedial measures.

Estrada acknowledged the efforts made by the Department of Education since the issue emerged but emphasized that Congress may need to legislate stronger measures to strengthen the SHS voucher program, identify prohibited acts, and impose stricter penalties for violations.

“It is imperative for the government to monitor the proper implementation of the SHS voucher program to ensure that public funds are judiciously allocated and that the intended beneficiaries are not deprived of the assistance they need,” Estrada stated.

In his Senate Resolution No. 1316, Estrada called for the Committee on Basic Education to conduct the inquiry.

“The effectiveness and integrity of the SHS voucher program must be consistently upheld to ensure quality and accessible education for Filipino youth,” he added.

While DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara confirmed that an investigation is underway, the agency has initiated actions, including preparing for the termination of schools’ accreditation and gathering evidence against responsible individuals for potential administrative and criminal charges. However, there is still no information on the number of ghost students or the funds involved.

“The funds allocated for the SHS voucher program, ranging from P17,500 to P22,500, should benefit underprivileged youth aspiring to finish senior high school, not those manipulating the government program. The aid under Republic Act No. 8545 is for legitimate students, not ‘ghost students,’” Estrada stressed.