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Manila, Philippines – The Department of Education (DepEd) is intensifying its investigation into alleged fraudulent claims within the Senior High School (SHS) program, potentially involving “ghost students” and resulting in a loss of up to P100 million in public funds. The DepEd has vowed to pursue both criminal and civil charges against those found responsible for this alleged scheme.

This move comes after reports surfaced highlighting irregularities in student enrollment and attendance records across several SHS programs nationwide. The DepEd's internal audit revealed discrepancies, suggesting that funds allocated for these students may have been misused or diverted. The estimated amount potentially lost, reaching up to P100 million, has sparked public outrage and prompted swift action from the education department.

What's the Allegation? The core allegation revolves around the creation of fictitious student profiles – “ghost students” – to inflate enrollment numbers. These fabricated profiles are then used to claim subsidies and allowances from the government, diverting funds intended for legitimate students. The scope of the alleged scam is still under investigation, but initial findings suggest it may span multiple regions and involve various individuals within the education system.

DepEd's Response: Criminal and Civil Action DepEd Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones has emphasized the department's commitment to accountability and transparency. “We will not tolerate any form of fraud or corruption within the DepEd,” she stated. “We are committed to recovering every peso that was lost due to this alleged scheme and ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice.”

The DepEd has already formed a special task force to conduct a thorough investigation, collaborating with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Commission on Audit (COA). This task force will be responsible for identifying all individuals involved, tracing the flow of funds, and gathering evidence to support legal action.

The department is preparing to file criminal charges, potentially including fraud, malversation of public funds, and falsification of documents. Simultaneously, civil cases will be pursued to recover the lost funds and hold accountable those who benefited from the alleged scheme.

Impact on Students and the Education System This scandal raises serious concerns about the integrity of the SHS program and the overall management of public funds within the DepEd. It also underscores the need for stricter monitoring and oversight mechanisms to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The DepEd has pledged to implement reforms to strengthen internal controls and improve transparency in the allocation and disbursement of funds.

Furthermore, the DepEd is working to ensure that the investigation does not disrupt the education of legitimate students. Measures are being taken to identify and support students who may have been affected by the alleged fraud, ensuring they continue to receive the necessary resources and assistance.

Looking Ahead The DepEd's pursuit of justice in this case sends a strong message that corruption will not be tolerated. The outcome of the investigation and the subsequent legal proceedings will have significant implications for the education system, potentially leading to widespread reforms and stricter accountability measures. The public will be closely watching as the DepEd works to recover the lost funds and restore trust in the integrity of the education system. Updates on the investigation will be regularly released to the public.