Manila, Philippines – House Appropriations Committee Chair and Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Elizaldy Co assured that there is no kick-back in the Ayuda para Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP).
He said, this cash assistance program has no taint of corruption and the only purpose is to help Filipinos who have jobs but remain poor.
He also said that AKAP is not a pork barrel because the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) handles the fund and determines the beneficiary.
According to Co, AKAP is not a pork barrel where it is zero percent corruption because it is direct to the people. Above all, the congressman is said to not be handling the money and only DSWD is buying the recipients.
He added that AKAP was formed due to the grievances of minimum-wage earners such as food service crews and Grab drivers who do not qualify for government social safety net programs such as the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).
Year 2024 when AKAP was implemented for the first time.
Based on DSWD data, about five million Filipinos received P5,000 financial assistance under the program.
This year AKAP was allocated with P26 billion in funds.