Members of the Senate and the House of Representatives are currently engaged in a heated debate over an aid program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). The program in question, called Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita (AKAP), is allegedly being used to garner support for a people’s initiative to amend the Constitution. This controversy has sparked discussions and raised concerns about the validity and intentions behind the program.
During a recent Kapihan sa Manila Bay session, Sen. Maria Josefa Imelda “Imee” Marcos expressed her doubts about the legitimacy of AKAP. She stated that she first learned about the program through a “text blast” she received last Friday. Marcos sought clarification from the DSWD, but even their representatives seemed confused about the details of the program.
On the other hand, Senior Deputy Speaker and Pampanga 3rd District Rep. Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr. dismissed the senators’ concerns, calling them “absurd.” He pointed out that the Senate had already approved AKAP as part of the 2024 national budget. Gonzales emphasized that questioning AKAP now would essentially mean questioning the decision of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to sign the bill into law.
These conflicting views have left many questioning the transparency and accountability of the aid program. 1-Rider Party-list Rep. Ramon Rodrigo Gutierrez expressed shock that senators were unaware of AKAP, while Gonzales emphasized that the House of Representatives had no involvement in the release of funds for the program. He emphasized that the DSWD has sole authority over these funds, as clearly stated in the budget law.
Ako Bikol Rep. Elizaldy Co clarified the purpose of AKAP, stating that it was designed to assist the “near-poor” Filipinos affected by inflation. The program aims to provide a one-time financial aid of P5,000 to this vulnerable group. Co assured the public that the distribution of AKAP funds would strictly adhere to the provisions outlined in the 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA).
DSWD Secretary Rexlon Gatchalian further explained that the term “near poor” refers to minimum-wage earners who are particularly susceptible to economic shocks, such as excessive inflation, which could easily push them back into poverty. Gatchalian highlighted that the DSWD had collaborated with the Philippine Statistics Authority to develop aid programs specifically tailored to support this “near poor” sector.
Despite these explanations, Sen. Marcos raised concerns about the inclusion of AKAP in the DSWD budget for 2024. She claimed that the program was added right after a legislative bicameral meeting, which she felt became more of a photo opportunity than a meaningful discussion about the project. Marcos discovered conflicting information within the program’s documentation, including references to providing rice for nutritional requirements and the possibility of direct financial assistance for essential goods.
The controversy surrounding AKAP is further compounded by the program’s substantial budget of P60 billion. While it remains unclear whether the funds are being used for the people’s initiative or not, the sheer size of the allocation raises eyebrows and warrants a thorough investigation.
In conclusion, the ongoing debate over the AKAP aid program highlights the importance of transparency, accountability, and effective communication between government agencies and lawmakers. It is essential that the concerns raised by senators and representatives are addressed, and that the program’s implementation aligns with the intended purpose of assisting the “near-poor” Filipinos affected by inflation. The public deserves clarity and reassurance that their tax money is being utilized responsibly and ethically.
Source: The Manila Times
