Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian has clarified that the Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) is not a pork barrel scheme, countering claims by retired Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio.
Gatchalian emphasized that AKAP allows referrals from any individual, with barangay officials not solely responsible for beneficiary lists.
He further explained that while legislators and local officials can suggest potential recipients, DSWD social workers conduct thorough vetting to ensure eligibility.
The program, funded with ₱26.7 billion under the 2024 General Appropriations Act, aims to support minimum wage earners and near-poor Filipinos affected by inflation.
As of December 26, nearly 5 million individuals have benefited from AKAP this year.
Source: PhilNews24 | December 27, 2024
