ILOILO CITY – The head of the Jaro Archdiocesan Social Action Center (JASAC) has urged the public not to believe politicians who claim that government cash aid programs are acts of charity for the poor.
In an interview with Bombo Radyo, Msgr. Meliton Oso, Director of JASAC, clarified that financial assistance programs such as the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS), TUPAD Information Management System, and Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) are funded by taxpayers’ money.
“These aid programs are actually government loans, which are repaid using public taxes,” Oso explained.
He also accused some politicians of exploiting government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) for personal and political gain.
The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has strictly prohibited the distribution of financial aid starting May 2, in accordance with the election ban, which takes effect 10 days before the midterm elections on May 12.
