MANILA — Gordon College has issued a statement addressing a report aired by Bilyonaryo News in January 2026 concerning an alleged ₱19 million overpayment under the Free Higher Education (FHE) program, specifically related to the classification of laboratory rooms.

The college said it submitted clarifications and justifications to the Commission on Audit (COA) and UniFAST last May 16, 2025, regarding Audit Observation Memorandum No. CHED-CO-2025-003 for FHE reimbursements covering Academic Years 2019-2020 to 2023-2024.

Gordon College explained that the initial inclusion of Audio-Visual Room (AVR) fees under laboratory fees was made in good faith and with transparency, as reflected in its approved Tuition and Other School Fees (TOSF). The college said it adjusted the classification last year after being informed that “laboratory fees” should strictly pertain to courses using specialized equipment.

The institution emphasized that FHE funds are carefully allocated and audited by CHED, UniFAST, and COA, and that all collections were used transparently for the college’s operations and development.

Gordon College said it is fully cooperating with government agencies and complying with COA recommendations, calling on the public to allow due process and rely on verified information from official sources.