By Rodolfo Dacleson II
(March 6, 2025) – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Wednesday said it will review the guidelines for the distribution of the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) amid the campaign period for the 2025 midterm elections.
On Tuesday, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), which oversees AKAP, submitted to the Comelec the provisions for the controversial government aid.
“Inaalam nating mabuti kung ’yung mga benepisyaryo ay mapipili nang tama and at the same time, ’yan bang mga ayuda, lalo na ‘yung AKAP ay madi-distribute base sa hindi pag-take advantage ng mga pulitiko o kandidato,” said Comelec chairperson George Garcia.
The DSWD said it will only be provided to beneficiaries without the need for intermediaries based on a directive it crafted with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).
“It (DSWD) shall continue to engage in constructive partnerships with local and national stakeholders to prevent acts or engagements that may exploit, abuse, waste, or use the DSWD, its personnel, and funds for personal or political gain or advancement,” read the guidelines.
It also provided measures to ensure AKAP wouldn’t be politicized by candidates.
“During the offsite implementation of the program, the DSWD will strictly prohibit 1) The display or distribution of posters, banners, or any materials that link any politicians to the AKAP, as well as 2) The presence of any politicians during the actual distribution of financial assistance under the AKAP,” added the guidelines.
Section 261 of the Omnibus Election Code prohibits the use of public funds for social welfare and services projects 45 days before the elections.
ALSO READ: DSWD against delaying AKAP after 2025 midterm elections despite politicking concerns
In January, the Comelec granted the request to exempt AKAP, among 28 dole-out programs, from the ban on government assistance.
AKAP, a pet project of House Speaker Martin Romualdez, became controversial after receiving a P26 billion budget this year. Romualdez and Pres. Bongbong Marcos Jr. are cousins.
Minority lawmakers and progressive groups claimed that AKAP could be used to finance the campaigns of candidates allied with Romualdez and Marcos.
(PM)
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