Ayuda Para sa Kapos ang Kita Program Faces Criticism
MANILA, Philippines — The Ayuda Para sa Kapos ang Kita program, a one-time cash grant aimed at assisting low-income earners, continues to face detractors. Iloilo 1st District Representative Janette Garin argued on Tuesday that opposition to the program stems from crab mentality rather than valid concerns, emphasizing the program’s genuine purpose and lasting benefits.
During a virtual briefing, Garin recounted that several lawmakers from the 19th Congress, who remain in the 20th Congress, convened to explore how they could support communities severely impacted by recent heavy rains from storms and the southwest monsoon. The group considered utilizing the Ayuda Para sa Kapos ang Kita program, despite some criticisms labeling it as politicized.
Strict Screening Ensures Fair Aid Distribution
Garin explained that the Ayuda Para sa Kapos ang Kita program applies a rigorous screening process. Applicants must meet specific criteria, such as being employed but earning less than P23,000 monthly. This careful selection ensures that aid reaches those genuinely in need, not automatically handed out to all applicants.
“There are storms, there are calamities, how many lost their jobs, how many drivers failed to make trips, how many daily wage earners failed to get to their work or do not have jobs because of floods? This is actually the context by which AKAP was conceptualized. What I cannot understand is why we have to destroy a program that is good,” Garin said in Filipino.
She added, “There’s only one answer: it’s crab mentality, and that is what hurts me as a Filipino, as a mother, and as a doctor. Every time that we come up with a good program, detractors are always there, shooting the initiative because they don’t want others to succeed. And this is happening in AKAP.”
Political Motives Behind AKAP Opposition
Garin claimed that some critics oppose the Ayuda Para sa Kapos ang Kita program because they want control over the funds themselves. She stressed that the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) strictly enforces requirements, rejecting many claims to ensure the program’s integrity.
“Why are they against the AKAP? They say it is being politicized. But if you go down the actual implementation, the DSWD has rejected a lot of claims, there are so many requirements, it’s so stringent, it’s not easy to obtain aid,” Garin explained.
“But of course, those who complain about it, we know that they only want to be the one managing the funds. So our judgment on specific programs should be based on the impact. Here’s the AKAP, given to those who work, the government will help them,” she said.
Expanded Aid for Storm Victims Through AKAP
On Tuesday, Leyte 1st District Representative Ferdinand Martin Romualdez shared that lawmakers coordinated with the DSWD to allocate P360 million in aid for victims of recent storms and the monsoon. This assistance includes AKAP cash grants, food packs, and other relief items.
Initially, 36 districts in Metro Manila and surrounding provinces were set to receive aid, but by Thursday, that number grew to 42 districts. Garin noted, “I believe 42 congressmen, 42 members of the 20th Congress were empowered yesterday by using AKAP, our Ayuda Para sa Kapos ang Kita program, because there are floods, drivers do not have income, nobody visits wet markets, others do not get paid if they do not go to work.”
She further explained that a small group of lawmakers met to discuss the response strategy, leading to directives for collaboration among legislators, executive officials, and local government units to address gaps in assistance.
Weather Challenges and Ongoing Relief Efforts
Classes and government work have been suspended since Monday in many areas due to continuous heavy rains caused by Tropical Storm Crising and the southwest monsoon. Though Crising left the Philippine area on Saturday, rains persisted, with Typhoon Emong and Tropical Storm Dante still affecting the country as of Thursday.
Background and Controversies Surrounding AKAP
The Ayuda Para sa Kapos ang Kita program was introduced in December 2023 during budget discussions for 2024. It aims to support near-poor workers in coping with inflation by providing them cash assistance to purchase essential goods.
However, controversy arose when Senator Imee Marcos claimed the Senate was unaware of the program’s provisions. House officials clarified that the senators, including Marcos, had signed off on the relevant pages, confirming their knowledge of the program.
Deputy Majority Leader Erwin Tulfo later acknowledged that he conceived the AKAP program during his time as DSWD secretary.
Under the 2025 national budget signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., P26 billion was allocated for AKAP. The Department of Budget and Management indicated that the program would undergo conditional implementation, with guidelines to be issued before disbursement.
Former officials have emphasized that AKAP is not a pork barrel or discretionary fund, as the DSWD manages the funds and oversees beneficiary selection and distribution.
For more news and updates on Ayuda Para sa Kapos ang Kita, visit Filipinokami.com.
