Poll bets barred from DSWD payouts

CEBU, Philippines — Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian has reiterated yesterday that politicians and election candidates are strictly prohibited from entering payout sites of any DSWD programs, including the Ayuda sa Kapos Ang Kita Program (AKAP), ahead of the May 12 polls.

Gatchalian emphasized that the joint memorandum circular (JMC) governing AKAP implementation contains clear provisions against political presence and activity at payout venues.

“That’s in the guidelines. First, they cannot go there during the conduct of payouts. Second, their materials should not also be in the vicinity or inside the payouts sites. Third, we have to disclose the recipients to the public,” Gatchalian said.

The updated guidelines, crafted by the DSWD in collaboration with the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), shift the program's focus to assisting Filipinos earning below the minimum wage.

This recalibration follows President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s veto message upon signing the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA), in which he directed the creation of stricter parameters for AKAP implementation.

Gatchalian assured the public that funds allocated for AKAP will not be exploited by political candidates for campaign purposes.

“We are making sure that it will not be used for political gain of anyone and it is not only AKAP, but all programs of the DSWD,” he said.

According to Gatchalian, nearly five million near-poor Filipinos benefitted from AKAP during its first year, from January to December 2024.

The 2025 GAA allocates P26 billion for the program, aiming to support another five million individuals earning below the minimum wage threshold. — Philippine Star News Service / FPL (FREEMAN)