Safety nets to keep AKAP free from politics - DSWD

Metro Manila, Philippines-There will be enough safety nets to keep the one-time cash aid for below minimum wage earners free from political influence, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said.

In an interview with NewsWatch Plus, Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian said the joint guidelines for the Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) ensure that social workers will determine the beneficiaries and not politicians.

He said the first draft of the guidelines has been prepared and will be presented to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during the first full Cabinet meeting for the year on Jan. 7.

The secretary met with the heads of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) to finalize the guidelines for the P26-billion program.

“We have to be true to the veto message na ang dapat makakatanggap ay below minimum wage earners at yung lubhang naapektuhan ng taas ng presyo ng bilihin o inflation,” said Gatchalian.

[Translation: We have to be true to the veto message that those who should receive assistance are below minimum wage earners and those who are greatly affected by the increase in the prices of goods or inflation.]

Gatchalian while the guidelines will not discourage or prohibit referrals, including from politicians, the DSWD will have the final approval.

“Susuriin ng mga social workers ang bawat kaso kung qualified ka at pangalawa kung qualified ka hindi naman kung sino magdikta ng amount ng tulong na angkop para sa ’yo,” he added.

[Translation: Social workers will examine each case to determine if you are qualified; and, secondly, if you are qualified, it will not depend on who dictates the amount of assistance appropriate for you.]

Gatchalian said there will be a new form for AKAP applicants in consultation with the DOLE and NEDA.

Amid concerns of politicking with the campaign period ahead of the midterm elections in May, Gatchalian said that AKAP funds stay with the agency.

“Ang buong pondo ng AKAP ay naka-lodge sa DSWD, wala naman naka-allocate diyan para sa anong distrito, anong probinsya. May mga public servants kasi tayo na mag-eendorse ng constituents na nangangailangan ng tulong, hindi porke inendorse ka makakatanggap ka ng tulong,” he added.

[Translation: The entire AKAP fund is lodged with the DSWD; no allocations for any district or province. We have public servants who may endorse constituents who need assistance, but just because you are endorsed does not mean you will automatically receive aid]

Meddling in AKAP

Gatchalian said election rules are strict against the use of public funds for campaigning.

He said the agency will continue to remind politicians about their role in the payouts.

“Marami pwede mangako, marami maaring magsabi na makakatanggap kayo nito, pero sa dulo, pag hindi qualified, wala pa ring mangyayari roon,” said Gatchalian.

[Translation: Many may promise, many may say that you will receive this, but in the end, if you're not qualified, nothing will happen.]

He said the DSWD has sought an exemption from the Commission on Elections to distribute AKAP during the poll season.