SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian expressed strong support for the National Bureau of Investigation’s probe into ghost beneficiaries under the Senior High School (SHS) Voucher Program, emphasizing the need to expose and hold accountable those attempting to defraud the government.

“This investigation should unmask those trying to defraud the government. Once exposed, those involved in irregularities should serve time behind bars for their gross deception of the Filipino people,” Gatchalian stated.

The senator raised concerns that public funds, intended to support underprivileged students and alleviate overcrowded public schools, may have been misallocated to non-existent beneficiaries.

“We have funds allocated for our disadvantaged countrymen and for our overcrowded public schools, yet these may be going to students who do not actually exist,” he added.

Gatchalian also welcomed the Department of Education’s recent efforts to address discrepancies in student records, calling it a positive step toward greater transparency.

However, he reiterated the need for new guidelines on the SHS Voucher Program to ensure that only the most deserving students benefit.

“Moving forward, I reiterate my call for the issuance of new guidelines on the SHS-VP, which should prioritize the poorest learners and help decongest our public schools,” he emphasized.

The senator has long been advocating for reforms in the education sector to ensure government funds are used efficiently and that Filipino students receive the support they deserve.