Former Senator Bam Aquino has called for accountability over the alleged “ghost students” in the Senior High School (SHS) Voucher Program, stressing that funds meant for deserving students should not be stolen.
“Nakakabahala talaga ang balitang ito ng ghost students. Pera po ito na dapat napupunta sa mga kabataang nangangailangan. Dapat matigil iyan,” Aquino said, vowing to pursue legal action against those responsible.
DepEd’s Crackdown on Questionable Schools
The Department of Education (DepEd) recently removed 55 private schools from the SHS Voucher Program due to discrepancies in billing and student records.
The SHS Voucher Program grants P14,000 to P22,500 per student, allowing them to enroll in private schools and helping to decongest public schools.
Aquino Backs Education Secretary Angara
Aquino expressed confidence that Education Secretary Sonny Angara would act swiftly to resolve the issue.
If re-elected to the Senate, Aquino pledged to increase education funding and ensure it benefits the intended recipients.
“Iyong pera para sa ating kabataan, dapat napupunta sa taumbayan, at hindi binubulsa ng iilan,” he said, emphasizing his role as one of the authors of the Free College Law.
Push to Restore P3-Billion Cut in Free College Law
Speaking at a campaign rally in Iloilo, Aquino also called for the restoration of the P3-billion budget cut in the Free College Law, warning that it would reduce financial aid for 50,000 students.
“Napaka-importante po talaga na bumalik po tayo sa Senado at ipaglaban ang pondo ng bayan,” he urged.
With the May 2025 elections approaching, Aquino is campaigning on a platform of education reforms and student welfare, positioning himself as a defender of accessible education.