THE SENATE  has approved on third and final reading a measure aimed at decongesting public schools, expanding access to education, and strengthening safeguards against corruption through a unified voucher system.

The proposed Basic Education Voucher Program Act, authored and sponsored by Bam Aquino, seeks to address overcrowding in public schools by providing students with vouchers that will allow them to enroll in participating private institutions.

“The aim of this bill is to reduce overcrowding in public schools through private education vouchers,” Aquino said.

The lawmaker cited findings from the Second Congressional Commission on Education, which revealed a nationwide shortage of at least 165,000 classrooms. This deficit has resulted in congested classrooms, shifting schedules, and, in some cases, unsafe learning conditions for students.

“This is an important step toward addressing the crisis in our education system… Let us ensure that no child is left behind in our country,” he added.

Under the measure, the nationwide voucher program will cover all levels of basic education, from Kindergarten to Grade 12. Students from overcrowded public schools may transfer to accredited private schools using government-funded vouchers.

Priority beneficiaries include learners from low-income households, recipients of the government’s conditional cash transfer program, those living in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas, Indigenous Peoples, students with disabilities, and children under foster care.

Aquino also emphasized support for learners requiring Special Education, noting that many families struggle to access appropriate services.

To prevent misuse of funds, the bill includes penalties for fraud and safeguards against irregularities such as “ghost beneficiaries.”

“We will ensure that there are no more ghost students and no one can take advantage of the system… what our students need is education, not corruption,” Aquino said.

The measure forms part of broader efforts to address the country’s education challenges by complementing classroom construction initiatives and strengthening the role of private schools in delivering basic education.