P18.9M uncollected from at least 115 PSHS grads – COA

The Philippine Science High School (PSHS) System has yet to collect a total of P18.9 million from at least 115 of its defaulting scholars who failed to pursue science and technology courses in college, the Commission on Audit (COA) said.

"As of December 31, 2016, there were at least 115 scholars who have not complied with the requirements of the Scholarship Agreement especially the provision on the pursuit of a university degree in science and technology, hence, should be required to refund the scholarship benefits totaling P18,904,792.40," COA said in its 2016 report.

Under the agreement granted by PSHS to qualified students, the scholar must maintain a good academic standing, complete his secondary education, and enroll in a science and technology degree identified by the Board of Trustees in any university.

Non-compliance of  any of the provisions in the agreement requires the scholar and his/her parent or guardian to "solidarily reimburse to the PSHS the monetary value of the Scholarship Award."

The overdue receivables remained uncollected for a period of one to 10 years due to lapses in following-up their settlement, the COA report said.

It said the scholars came from the PSHS' campuses in the Ilocos Region, Western Visayas, Eastern Visayas, central Mindanao, and southern Mindanao.

State auditors in the report said the absence of legal remedies in the scholarship agreement's provisions deprives the government of the opportunity to re-allocate the funds to other students or projects.

"The receivables from defaulting scholars remained uncollected which deprives the government of funds that could had been used to finance the scholarship of those who are willing to pursue science courses or otherwise be utilized for other government priority programs or projects," the report said.

In its recommendations, COA urged PSHS campus directors to "exert all efforts" to collect the receivables by sending demand letters to the parents or guardians of the scholars.

COA said PSHS should also consider adding "legal actions that may be pursued against scholars and their parents/guardians for any breach of the said agreement and strictly enforce such provisions."

The COA report said the PSHS management's agreed to its recommendations. — RSJ/KVD, GMA News