Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian on Tuesday (May 2) reminded all the agency’s regional directors to strictly enforce the 10-day ban on the distribution of cash grants under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) and the Ayuda Para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP).

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has prohibited the distribution of any forms of financial assistance, popularly known as “ayuda,” 10 days before the May 12 national and local elections or from May 2 to 12. Only medical and burial assistance under AICS are allowed by the Comelec during the 10-day ayuda ban.

“All DSWD Field Offices are reminded to strictly enforce the Comelec’s 10-day ayuda ban, which includes AICS and AKAP. This means that there will be no cash assistance payout from May 2 to May 12,” Secretary Gatchalian said.

AICS is one of the DSWD’s social protection program that provides immediate and temporary assistance to individuals and families experiencing crises or difficult life events. It serves as a social safety net to help the poor, vulnerable and marginalized Filipinos meet their basic needs during emergencies.

AKAP, another DSWD social welfare program, provides financial assistance to individuals earning below the minimum wage since they are the most affected by inflation and economic hardship. The program offers medical, funeral, food and cash assistance based on the assessment of social workers.

The Comelec imposes a prohibition on the release, disbursement or expenditure of public funds before elections to prevent the use of government resources to influence election outcomes. It is enforced except for specific exemptions, such as certain projects in education and health sectors.