THE DEPARTMENT of Education is now taking action following reports of so-called “ghost scholars,” Education Secretary Sonny Angara confirmed.

Angara said the department’s legal action team is already addressing the issue to recover public funds released to fake or non-existent scholars.

He noted that one of the flaws in the old system he inherited was the advance release of scholarship grants even without the submission of school records by claimants.

Angara warned that those found responsible—and anyone who profited from funds intended for legitimate scholars—will be held accountable.

Recently, DepEd halted the disbursement of over P50 million in public funds allocated for senior high school vouchers.

The vouchers were tied to 12 private schools that, upon verification, were found to be non-existent.