AKAP implementation hard to stop amid concerns - Palace | ABS-CBN
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AKAP implementation hard to stop amid concerns - Palace
AKAP implementation hard to stop amid concerns - Palace
ABS-CBN News
Published Mar 31, 2025 03:03 PM PHT
MANILA — Malacañang on Monday said it would be difficult for the government to stop the distribution of aid under the controversial Ayuda Para sa Kapos ang Kita (AKAP) program.
MANILA — Malacañang on Monday said it would be difficult for the government to stop the distribution of aid under the controversial Ayuda Para sa Kapos ang Kita (AKAP) program.
This, amid reports that some incumbent officials — who are candidates in the 2025 midterm polls — were allegedly exploiting the program to influence voters.
This, amid reports that some incumbent officials — who are candidates in the 2025 midterm polls — were allegedly exploiting the program to influence voters.
"Mahirap po kasing ihinto ang pagbibigay ng ayuda sa taumbayan. Umaasa rin po sila diyan, katulad nga po nito, sabi po sa survey ay diumanong tumataas ang hunger rate, kahit marami na po tayong programa ng ayuda. Kaya sabi nga po natin, titingnan natin kung saan nanggagaling ito," Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said when asked if the AKAP implementation would be paused before the midterm polls.
"Mahirap po kasing ihinto ang pagbibigay ng ayuda sa taumbayan. Umaasa rin po sila diyan, katulad nga po nito, sabi po sa survey ay diumanong tumataas ang hunger rate, kahit marami na po tayong programa ng ayuda. Kaya sabi nga po natin, titingnan natin kung saan nanggagaling ito," Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said when asked if the AKAP implementation would be paused before the midterm polls.
"Hindi po ito mapapahinto agad-agad ng administrasyon at mas marami po sigurong mga kababayan natin ang mag-aalma lalo na kung nasanay na po silang kumuha ng ganitong ayuda para po ipangtawid sa pang-araw-araw nilang pangangailangan," she added.
"Hindi po ito mapapahinto agad-agad ng administrasyon at mas marami po sigurong mga kababayan natin ang mag-aalma lalo na kung nasanay na po silang kumuha ng ganitong ayuda para po ipangtawid sa pang-araw-araw nilang pangangailangan," she added.
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The Department of Social Welfare and Development earlier prohibited the presence of politicians and any materials associated with them during the distribution of the AKAP aid.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development earlier prohibited the presence of politicians and any materials associated with them during the distribution of the AKAP aid.
Some critics of AKAP alleged that it gives room for political misuse as a grants-based program.
Some critics of AKAP alleged that it gives room for political misuse as a grants-based program.
Under the new guidelines, only people earning below minimum wage may apply for financial assistance depending on specific needs, such as medical and burial expenses as well as food and transportation expenses.
Under the new guidelines, only people earning below minimum wage may apply for financial assistance depending on specific needs, such as medical and burial expenses as well as food and transportation expenses.
The guidelines provide a range for financial aid, such as up to P10,000 for medical purposes, and up to P50,000 for burial expenses.
The guidelines provide a range for financial aid, such as up to P10,000 for medical purposes, and up to P50,000 for burial expenses.
Some P26 billion has been earmarked for the program in 2025, targeting to help more than 5 million beneficiaries.
Some P26 billion has been earmarked for the program in 2025, targeting to help more than 5 million beneficiaries.
1Sambayan, Sanlakas and some individuals last week urged the Supreme Court to prohibit the national government from enforcing provisions in the General Appropriations Act for 2025 or Republic Act No. 12116 concerning AKAP.
1Sambayan, Sanlakas and some individuals last week urged the Supreme Court to prohibit the national government from enforcing provisions in the General Appropriations Act for 2025 or Republic Act No. 12116 concerning AKAP.
In the petition for certiorari with prayer for a temporary restraining order, 1Sambayan stressed that in the distribution of P26.159 billion AKAP funds, there was no prohibition against the intervention of congressmen and senators, paving the way for their participation in the program of the executive branch of the government.
In the petition for certiorari with prayer for a temporary restraining order, 1Sambayan stressed that in the distribution of P26.159 billion AKAP funds, there was no prohibition against the intervention of congressmen and senators, paving the way for their participation in the program of the executive branch of the government.
—with report from Pia Gutierrez, ABS-CBN News
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