The Department of Education (DepEd) on Wednesday announced that it has already started investigating whether its own personnel were involved in a scheme involving “ghost students” or undocumented beneficiaries in the senior high school voucher program.

DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara said that those found accountable in the fraudulent activity will face penalties.

“That’s what we’re really investigating because only a few people have information on the voucher program,” Angara said in an interview. “We’re looking at the possibility that there’s an accomplice here.”

“We already found people before who were accomplices. They are no longer with DepEd and cases were filed against them,” he added.

Earlier, the DepEd announced earlier this week that its central office is investigating alleged ghost students in the SHS voucher program at 12 private schools across nine divisions.

The agency said it has taken action, including preparing to terminate the schools’ accreditation and gathering evidence against those responsible.

It added that those found culpable may face administrative and criminal sanctions. Angara said perjury cases may also be filed.

“We should have penalties so this will not be repeated,” Angara said. “It’s not only for the schools, but also the school officials because they made an oath. Perjury cases may be filed against them.”

The SHS voucher program provides financial assistance to students attending senior high school in private schools. Incoming Grade 11 students who finished elementary school in public schools automatically receive a voucher worth P14,000 to P22,500.

Meantime, students from private schools who are not grantees of the DepEd’s Education Service Contracting Program may apply for the voucher program.