Lawmakers Find Themselves Embroiled in Heated Debates and Negotiations

The Senate and the House of Representatives are currently locked in a dispute over an aid program administered by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). This aid program, known as Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita (AKAP), has become the subject of contention, with Senator Maria Josefa Imelda “Imee” Marcos questioning its validity.

According to Senator Marcos, she first learned about the AKAP program through a “text blast” and was surprised by its existence. She raised concerns about the program’s implementation and sought clarification from DSWD officials.

On the other hand, Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr. defended AKAP, stating that it was part of the 2024 national budget and had received approval from the Senate during budget deliberations. He emphasized that questioning the program now would be tantamount to questioning the decision of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to sign the budget bill into law.

However, 1-Rider Party-list Rep. Ramon Rodrigo Gutierrez expressed shock that senators were unaware of AKAP, indicating a lack of communication or coordination between the two chambers of Congress.

Gonzales clarified that the House of Representatives had no role in releasing funds for AKAP, as the DSWD has sole authority over these funds as specified in the budget law.

Ako Bikol Rep. Elizaldy Co explained that AKAP was designed to assist “near-poor” Filipinos affected by inflation by providing a one-time financial aid of P5,000 each. He assured that the distribution of AKAP funds would adhere strictly to the provisions of the 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA).

News: Lawmakers Find Themselves Embroiled in Heated Debates and Negotiations