DSWD’s AKAP to help workers, not linked to Cha-cha, says solon

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Dragging the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) cash aid program to the people’s initiative is only being done for politicking, Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co said on Tuesday.

In a statement, Co accused Senator Imee Marcos of dirtying the Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita (AKAP) Program — a one-time P5,000 cash subsidy program for workers earning less than P23,000 per month — by linking it to the people’s initiative.

Marcos during the Senate’s hearing on the controversial people’s initiative signature campaign asked DSWD officials if AKAP was used to entice Filipinos to join the signature drive to amend the 1987 Constitution.

“Dinudungisan po ni Senador Imee Marcos ang malinis na intensyon ng AKAP na tulungan ang mga kababayan nating may trabaho ngunit kapos ang kita,” Co, who heads the House committee on appropriations, said.

(Senator Imee Marcos is dirtying the clean intentions of AKAP, which is to help Filipinos who have work but are earning less.)

 INQUIRER.net has sought the side of Senator Marcos regarding Co’s statements, but she has not yet replied as of posting time.

According to Co, the House of Representatives remains committed to finding ways to help Filipinos — including the near-poor — cope with high prices of goods.

“Congress stands by its commitment to enhance government support for Filipinos, particularly those impacted by the economic challenges posed by global inflation and ongoing geopolitical tensions,” he noted.

AKAP was first brought to light after the bicameral conference committee on the then-proposed 2024 national budget held its final meeting on December 13. 

After the hearing, Co said that it would include a P60 billion allocation for AKAP, targeting around 12 million households.