The Private Education Assistance Committee (Peac) and the Department of Education (DepEd) have pledged to collaborate closely to safeguard public funds and maintain the integrity of the senior high school voucher program following irregularities flagged by the Commission on Audit (Coa) involving 'ghost students'. Peac executive director Doris Ferrer emphasized that the program's integrity is non-negotiable. This comes as part of measures to ensure proper voucher usage.
In Manila, the Private Education Assistance Committee (Peac) and the Department of Education (DepEd) have expressed their commitment to strengthening controls over the senior high school (SHS) voucher program. This response addresses the Commission on Audit (Coa) report on irregularities during school years 2022-2023 and 2023-2024, including 'ghost students', ineligible beneficiaries, and students from high-tuition private schools.
Peac executive director Doris Ferrer stated, 'The integrity of the SHS voucher program is non-negotiable for us.' They collaborate closely with DepEd to validate grantees through the Voucher Management System and cross-check records with the Learner Information System before approving billing. 'We do not process billing documents unless schools have been cleared from the previous school year. When issues are identified, refunds are required. And when necessary, sanctions such as suspension or termination from the program are imposed on erring participating schools,' Ferrer explained.
Peac has also recommended stricter quality assurance measures to ensure providers deliver services to eligible learners. Members of Peac, including presidents of the Association of Christian Schools, Colleges and Universities, the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines, and the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities, echoed vows of transparency and accountability.
The SHS voucher program remains a key initiative that has expanded access to quality education for at least 6.7 million learners nationwide. Peac reaffirms its dedication to transparency, accountability, and learner welfare to preserve public trust.
