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Politicians to watch AKAP cash aid distribution
By J.Lo
“They cannot do the actual distribution…that is against our protocol,” Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian said politicians are barred from participating in actual distribution of cash aid under Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP), controversial assistance program of Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
Gatchalian said as he announced implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of AKAP had already been signed and published in late April.
Gatchalian added DSWD disbursing officers are not allowed to hand over assistance to any politician for distribution.
“Only our disbursing officers can hold money because they are accountable for that,” he stressed.
Gatchalian underscored policy is intended to avoid giving the impression that cash aid came from politicians, but he conceded that local government officials, for instance, could observe distribution from sidelines.
Gatchalian acknowledged that DSWD is still relying on these politicians for manpower and other logistical support when they go to communities.
In February, Sen. Imee Marcos had accused some members of House of Representatives of using AKAP in collecting signatures for people’s initiative to amend restrictive economic provisions in Constitution.
According to Gatchalian, while IRR, contained in Memorandum Circular 04, series of 2024, is already out, they have not started its implementation.
“I want to clarify that we have not disbursed any assistance as we speak…we are fine-tuning roll out…so, public could not yet come to DSWD to apply,” he said.
Circular states some P26.7 million of DSWD’s budget for 2024 had been earmarked for AKAP, part of government’s efforts to “address inflation and protect purchasing power of Filipino families.”
DSWD is eyeing to start implementation before end of May.
To qualify for AKAP aid, one must belong to low-income category, or whose income does not exceed minimum wage.
Gatchalian added initially, AKAP assistance will be given on one-time basis, but they are hoping that program will be institutionalized.
Under circular, amount of cash assistance ranges from P1,000 to P10,000, subject to assessment of DSWD social workers.
Aside from cash grant, assistance covered by program include rice subsidy, funeral and medical benefits.
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