Senator Bam Aquino is pushing for stricter penalties against those who defraud government funds under the private school voucher program, following reports of abuses involving “ghost students.”
Aquino raised the proposal during a Senate Committee on Basic Education hearing, which he chairs, as lawmakers discussed reforms to strengthen support for private basic education.
“Iyong isa sigurong puwede nating madagdag sa committee report ay a separate penalty for schools or for individuals who are defrauding our students,” Aquino said.
He explained that while current laws penalize offenses such as estafa or falsification of documents, these may not be enough to address abuses specific to the voucher system.
“Puwede tayong maglagay ng iba pang penalty… maybe in this bill, we can include the penalties for those who will do fraudulent behavior,” he added.
Aquino stressed that stealing education funds deserves harsher punishment because it directly harms learners.
“Kasi pag ninanakaw natin pera na dapat napupunta sa mga kabataan, parang ibang level po iyon ng kasamaan,” he said.
He vowed to formally recommend the tougher sanctions in the committee report to deter fraud.
“Itaas natin iyong penalty na iyon,” Aquino said.
Aquino expressed confidence that the proposal would gain Senate support, noting that stronger penalties would discourage individuals and institutions from misusing public education funds.