Court Convicts Individual for Defrauding DepEd's Senior High School Voucher Program

A regional trial court has convicted an individual accused of attempting to defraud the government’s Senior High School Voucher Program (SHS-VP) by submitting falsified billing statements, the Department of Education (DepEd) said Wednesday. In a statement, Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the Regional Trial Court in the National Capital Region rendered its decision on July 28, finding the accused guilty. According to DepEd, the court sentenced the accused to up to 14 years, eight months, and two days in prison and imposed a P100,000 fine for two counts of the offense. Angara noted that the ruling is still subject to appeal but said it demonstrates that those who attempt to exploit government education assistance programs will be held accountable. “The Senior High School Voucher Program was built to give students opportunities, not to line the pockets of fraudsters,” Angara said. “While we respect due process, this ruling sends an unmistakable signal: we will not tolerate anyone cheating our public system. Bawat pisong para sa edukasyon, dapat makarating sa totoong mag-aaral.” (Every peso allotted for education should reach the students who truly deserve it.) The Education chief said DepEd remains committed to protecting the integrity of the Senior High School Voucher Program and ensuring that government assistance reaches its intended beneficiaries. He added that the department will continue strengthening safeguards against fraud, protecting public funds, and pursuing legal action against individuals who misuse or attempt to misuse the SHS voucher program and other education assistance initiatives. — Sherylin Untalan/RSJ, GMA News