Measures in place to protect integrity of SHS voucher program – PEAC

MANILA, Philippines —  The integrity of the Senior High School (SHS) Voucher program is non-negotiable, according to the Private Education Assistance Committee (PEAC).

The group also said that strong measures are in place to protect public funds that will be used for the program.

READ: Probe into Senior High School Voucher Program ongoing – DepEd

“We have clear systems, validation processes, and monitoring mechanisms to ensure that vouchers are properly used and that any concerns are addressed immediately,” PEAC Executive Director Doris Ferrer said, as quoted in a press release on January 12.

Ferrer added that they are in close coordination with the Department of Education in validating the voucher grantees through its Voucher Management System and cross-checking records with the department’s Learner Information System before processing any billing.

“We do not process billing documents unless schools have been cleared from the previous school year,” she said. 

“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,” she added.

Earlier this month, the Commission on Audit called out DepEd for including alleged “ghost students,” ineligible beneficiaries, as well as students from prestigious high-tuition private schools under its SHS Voucher Program for school years 2022–2023 and 2023–2024.

DepEd said it has launched a crackdown on the purported misuse of funds. /gsg