SENATOR SEEKS STIFFER PENALTIES FOR FRAUD IN PRIVATE SCHOOL VOUCHER PROGRAM
/ 21 January 2026
SENATOR Bam Aquino is pushing for heavier penalties against individuals and private schools found to be defrauding government funds under the private school voucher program, amid reports of widespread abuse involving so-called ghost students.
Aquino made the call after an official of the Private Education Assistance Committee or PEAC disclosed that some private schools operating under provisional permits had allegedly abused the Senior High School voucher program through fraudulent practices, including the use of non-existent enrollees to claim government subsidies.
During a hearing of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, which Aquino chairs, on proposed measures to modernize and strengthen government support for private basic education, the senator said a separate and higher penalty should be included in the committee report to serve as a strong deterrent against fraud.
Aquino noted that while existing laws allow authorities to file cases such as syndicated estafa or falsification of commercial documents, these may not be sufficient to address the gravity of offenses involving education funds.
He stressed that the committee could recommend the inclusion of specific penalties in the proposed legislation to directly punish fraudulent acts committed within the voucher system.
Aquino underscored that misuse of funds intended for students’ education is a serious offense that warrants harsher punishment, emphasizing that government resources meant for young learners should be protected at all costs.
The senator said he hopes to gain the support of his colleagues for the proposal, arguing that stiffer penalties would discourage schools and individuals from attempting to exploit the Department of Education’s voucher program.
“If potential offenders know there is a separate and higher penalty, they will think twice before abusing the system,” Aquino said, adding that strengthening accountability measures is key to ensuring that government assistance truly benefits students.
