THE DEPARTMENT of Education has demanded refunds from 54 private schools flagged for irregularities in Senior High School Voucher Program claims for School Years 2021-2022 and 2022-2023.

Of the 54 schools terminated from the Senior High School Voucher Program, 38 have fully refunded the government, while two have made partial refunds. However, 14 schools have yet to return the funds, and final demand letters will be issued to ensure compliance.

To date, approximately P65 million has been recovered. DepEd noted that further investigation is needed to determine whether these financial irregularities constitute fraud.

For the 2023-2024 school year, 12 schools are under investigation by DepEd’s Investigation Division. Additionally, three schools flagged by the Government Assistance and Subsidies Service have been forwarded to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for a parallel investigation.

To prevent a recurrence of such irregularities, DepEd, in coordination with the Private Education Assistance Committee, has implemented measures to enhance oversight and accountability starting in school year 2024-2025.

These measures include cross-referencing and verifying information, conducting a 100% system audit, and random field visits to participating private schools.

DepEd’s regional and schools division offices have been mobilized to carry out inspections and submit detailed reports to the Central Office. The validation processes have also been tightened to ensure only eligible learners benefit from the program.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized that these interventions prevent the release of inconsistent or questionable claims moving forward.

“We are taking decisive steps to strengthen our validation processes, hold erring schools accountable, and restore public trust in the SHS Voucher Program,” Angara said.

Further measures are planned, including PEAC’s validation for the second semester, set to roll out next month, and the establishment of a billing schedule in school year 2025-2026 to streamline the disbursement process.

In addition to financial oversight, other DepEd departments are also implementing reforms. The Private Education Office is working on Senior High School recognition to strengthen regulatory compliance, and the Information and Communications Technology Service is enhancing digital safeguards, such as audit trails, automated email notifications for system changes, and a full school history of learners.

The Department assured stakeholders that it will continue strengthening its oversight mechanisms to uphold integrity and fairness in private school participation in the government’s education subsidy programs.