The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has strictly prohibited the presence of politicians and any political materials during the distribution of financial aid under the Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (Akap) in the run-up to the May 12 elections.
A joint memorandum from the DSWD, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) mandates that government funds and personnel must not be used for personal or political gain.
“During the offsite implementation of the program, the DSWD will strictly prohibit (1) the display or distribution of posters, banners, or any materials linking politicians to Akap, as well as (2) the presence of any politicians during the actual distribution of financial assistance,” the memorandum stated.
Akap provides financial aid to individuals struggling with rising inflation and those earning below the minimum wage.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) recently approved the DSWD’s request to exempt 28 programs, including Akap, from the election spending ban. Under the Omnibus Election Code, the distribution of social services or cash assistance is generally prohibited 45 days before a regular election. However, Comelec clarified that programs such as Akap and Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) would still be restricted 10 days before the May 12 polls.
Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia said the poll body’s law department is currently reviewing Akap’s implementing guidelines, which were submitted on Tuesday and shared with the media on Wednesday.
“Our law department is carefully studying the guidelines before recommending the appropriate course of action. We want to ensure that beneficiaries are selected properly and that the aid, particularly Akap, is distributed without any political influence or advantage,” Garcia told reporters.
Additionally, Garcia noted that the Comelec has yet to assess a second request from the DSWD seeking an exemption for P12 billion in Akap funds from the spending ban.
