By Rodolfo Dacleson II
(December 12, 2024) – House Speaker Martin Romualdez on Thursday received backlash after the multi-billion budget of his pet program for next year was restored, while the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) received zero subsidy from the government.
Even though it got cut, Romualdez thanked the Senate for approving the P26 billion budget of the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) in the General Appropriations Bill, which was ratified on Wednesday. The proposed amount was P39 billion.
Romualdez is the main proponent of AKAP, which was ordered by Pres. Bongbong Marcos Jr. to ensure cash aid to Filipinos. Romualdez and Marcos are cousins.
“‘Yun ang talagang hangarin nating lahat—tulungan natin ang ating mga kababayan sa kahirapan ng inflation at mataas na bilihin,” said Romualdez in an ambush interview.
AKAP, a program under the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), is a one-time cash assistance worth up to P5,000 for Filipinos whose incomes are under the poverty threshold and uncovered by other government aid programs.
Sen. Grace Poe said AKAP’s budget was reinstated after the committee on appropriations in the House of Representatives provided the needed clarifications. Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, a known supporter of Romualdez and Marcos, heads the said panel.
Netizens, however, slammed the move, questioning why PhilHealth did not get any allocation despite the Filipinos’ need for accessible healthcare.
Senate Pres. Chiz Escudero and Sen. Grace Poe explained that PhilHealth still has reserve funds worth P600 billion. The state health insurer has faced accusations of corruption in the past, including the P15 billion allegedly pocketed by top officials in 2020.
ALSO READ: Senators mixed on removal of PhilHealth subsidy for 2025
Recently, PhilHealth signed a memorandum of agreement with Tingog Party-list and the Development Bank of the Philippines regarding a health initiative for rural areas. The said party-list is led by Romualdez’s wife, Rep. Yedda Romualdez.
(PM)
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