Pimentel pushes for increased budget for DFA

MANILA, Philippines — Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III yesterday expressed concern that the controversial dole-out Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) would receive a higher appropriation than the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in the proposed 2025 national budget.

Pimentel said that under the 2024 General Appropriations Act, the DFA was allocated a budget of P24.4 billion, while the AKAP is set to receive P26.7 billion next year.

AKAP is a financial relief administered by the Department of Social Welfare and Development to minimum wage earners under the low-income category.

“Why would AKAP receive a higher budget than the DFA?” Pimentel asked.

“A dole-out program with very unclear mechanics has a bigger budget than our diplomatic force. We should not allow this to continue,” he said.

Pimentel emphasized that the DFA’s budget should reflect its role in shaping Philippine foreign policy and international relations.

“We cannot expect the Department of Foreign Affairs to keep advocating bold and challenging ideas on a shoestring budget,” he said.

The Senate minority leader said he would support Senate Bill 2863, or the Foreign Affairs Pension Differential Act.

He also pushed for increased funding to the Foreign Service Institute, supporting its growth as a leading institution in Asia for diplomatic training and research.

He pointed out that if the government wants a reformed and independent foreign policy dedicated to the pursuit of international solidarity and the national interest, it must invest in foreign service and foreign service officers.

“Cognizant of the fact that personnel of the DFA are at the frontlines of Philippine foreign relations, sometimes risking their lives under dangerous conditions in their countries of assignment, it is proper that retired diplomats be rewarded with increased monthly pension as well as other benefits,” Pimentel said.

The Senate minority leader said he would support Senate Bill 2863, or the Foreign Affairs Pension Differential Act.

He also pushed for increased funding to the Foreign Service Institute, supporting its growth as a leading institution in Asia for diplomatic training and research.