Education Secretary Sonny Angara has confirmed that the Regional Trial Court in the National Capital Region rendered a decision on July 28, 2026, convicting an individual who sought to defraud the government’s Senior High School Voucher Program (SHS-VP) by submitting falsified billing statements.
The accused was penalized with imprisonment of up to 14 years, eight months and two days and a fine of PHP100,000 for two counts of the offense he was convicted with.
Angara said while the decision remains subject to appeal, it underscores that those who seek to exploit government education assistance programs will be held accountable under the law.
He said the Department of Education (DepEd) remains steadfast in safeguarding the integrity of the SHS-VP and ensuring that its benefits reach the learners for whom they are intended.
“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,” he added.
Secretary Angara said DepEd will continue to strengthen safeguards against fraud, protect public funds, and pursue appropriate legal action against those who misuse or attempt to misuse the SHS-VP and other education assistance programs.
