Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian has reiterated that politicians and candidates in the May 12 elections are not allowed in payout sites of any agency program, including the Ayuda sa Kapos Ang Kita Program (AKAP).

In an interview with GMA 7’s ‘Unang Hirit’ on Tuesday (April 8), the DSWD chief stressed that the Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) on the implementation of the AKAP has strong provisions barring politicians from electioneering in payout venues.

“Nasa guidelines na iyan, una hindi sila pwedeng pumunta during the conduct of payouts. Pangalawa, wala dapat ang kanilang mga materyales sa loob ng vicinity ng payouts. At pangatlo, idi-disclose natin sa publiko yung mga naging recipients,” Secretary Gatchalian told news anchor Arnold Clavio.

Under the new guidelines jointly crafted by the DSWD, the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the AKAP is now focused on providing assistance to Filipinos who are earning below the minimum wage rate.

This adjustment in the target beneficiaries was based on President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s veto message when he signed the General Appropriations Act (GAA) 2025 and ordered the crafting of a stricter guidelines for AKAP.

Secretary Gatchalian assured the public that the AKAP funds will not be utilized by any poll candidate for their own political advantage.

“Sinisigurado namin na hindi ito magagamit sa political gain ng kahit nino man at hindi lang AKAP, lahat ng programa ng DSWD,” Secretary Gatchalian told ‘Unang Hirit.’

Almost 5 million near-poor Filipinos have benefitted from the DSWD’s AKAP during its first year of implementation from January to December 2024.

The 2025 GAA provided the AKAP with a Php26 billion budget to serve around 5 million Filipinos who are earning below minimum wage. (AKDL)