Gatchalian: Barangay officials not involved in AKAP beneficiaries list

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian emphasized on Friday that the Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) was not a pork barrel initiative given that barangay officials were not responsible for determining the program's list of beneficiaries.

“Let me reiterate that all the DSWD’s Field Offices across the country serve people in need, whether they are walk-in clients or referrals from local government unit (LGU) officials,” Gatchalian said in a press statement.

He explained that DSWD social workers process AKAP applications and decide on the amount of aid qualified beneficiaries will receive.

Gatchalian’s statement comes in response to retired Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio’s remarks likening AKAP cash assistance to the controversial pork barrel system and suggesting that barangay officials submit the list of beneficiaries.

Gatchalian emphasized that there was no provision in the AKAP guidelines that allowed barangay officials to determine the beneficiaries of the program’s cash aid.

“With due respect to the former Supreme Court Justice, AKAP is not pork barrel. Any good Samaritan can refer potential beneficiaries, and barangay officials have no role in the selection process as outlined in our guidelines,” he added.

The DSWD chief further clarified that while legislators and local officials can refer potential beneficiaries, it is the department’s social workers who vet and finalize the list of recipients.

“The original purpose of AKAP is to protect minimum wage earners and near-poor Filipinos from the effects of inflation, which reduces their purchasing power. The program provides assistance tailored to address individual needs, particularly for goods and services impacted by high inflation,” Gatchalian explained.

The proposed 2025 national budget includes a P26-billion allocation for AKAP, which is expected to be signed into law by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. next week.

However, opposition lawmakers from the Makabayan bloc criticized AKAP, labeling it a “political tool” for potential vote-buying under the guise of financial aid.

The DSWD reported that nearly 5 million “near-poor” Filipinos benefited from AKAP during its first year of implementation, spanning January to December 26, 2024. — DVM, GMA Integrated News