AKO BICOL Party-list Rep. Raul Angelo Bongalon has urged the House Committees on Basic Education and Culture, and Good Government and Public Accountability to conduct a joint motu proprio investigation into alleged irregularities in the Department of Education’s Senior High School (SHS) Voucher Program.

Bongalon raised concerns over reports of fraudulent claims by certain private schools, which he said have led to the loss of millions in education funds.

According to Bongalon, some private schools have been listing ghost students to illegally claim government subsidies under the voucher program.

This scheme, he warned, is draining funds that should be supporting legitimate students and improving the quality of education.

Bongalon commended Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara for launching an investigation into 12 private schools suspected of being involved in the scam.

The lawmaker stressed that this effort is a step in the right direction to hold accountable those exploiting the system and protect public funds meant for students.

However, Bongalon insisted that a separate congressional inquiry is necessary to craft laws and stronger safeguards to prevent similar fraudulent schemes in the future.