‘But pols should keep out of ayuda distribution’
MANILA, Philippines — The distribution of the controversial Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) will proceed despite the spending ban to be implemented in connection with the May midterm polls.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) yesterday granted the request of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to exempt AKAP and its other aid projects and programs from the election ban.
Aside from AKAP, the programs exempted from the election ban are the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), Walang Gutom Program (WGP) and Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS).
Comelec Chairman George Garcia, however, clarified that distribution of AICS will be suspended from May 2 to 12, except those which are normally given to qualified individuals such as but not limited to basic needs in the form of food, medical, education, burial and similar assistance.
Garcia said the Comelec approved the recommendation of its law department to grant the DSWD’s request for exemption.
In granting the exemption, Comelec stressed the implementation of the DSWD projects must not influence the conduct of the forthcoming elections.
“(There must be) strict compliance that (there are) no candidates or politicians during the distribution of ayuda,” Garcia noted.
Garcia said the DSWD must submit a periodic written report of the disbursements made regarding the exempted projects.
The Comelec further required the DSWD to provide the Comelec with the guidelines on the exempted programs’ implementation.
Comelec also granted exemptions for the Sustainable Livelihood Program, Services for Residential and Center-based Clients, Supplementary Feeding Program, Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens, Implementation of the Centenarians Act, Protective Services for Individuals and Families in Especially Difficult Circumstances COMBASED, Protective Services for Individuals and Families in Especially Difficult Circumstances PROPER and Services to Displaced Persons.
The Recovery and Reintegration Program for Trafficked Persons, Assistance to Persons with Disability and Senior Citizens, National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction, KALAHI-CIDSS-KKB, Philippines Multisectoral Nutrition Project, Bangsamoro Umpungan sa Nutrisyon, PAMANA Peace and Development and PAMANA-LGU Led Livelihood are also exempted from the ban.
Included in the list of programs with exemptions are the Pag-Abot Program, KALAHI-CIDSS-National Community Driven Development Program, Beneficiary First Project, Trust Receipt, Tara Basa Tutoring Program, Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty, Social Technology Development and Enhancement and Financial Assistance that are normally given to qualified individuals.
Under the Omnibus Election Code, the release, disbursement or expenditure of public funds is prohibited within 45 days before a regular election, unless authorized by the Comelec.
In response, the DSWD welcomed yesterday the Comelec’s decision to exempt the agency’s 28 agency programs and services, including the controversial AKAP, from the spending ban.
The DSWD applied for the exemption last Dec. 19, underscoring the need to ensure the continuity of these programs.
“We thank the Comelec for approving our request without striking out any item. We assure the Commission and the public that mechanisms are in place to ensure that our programs will not be used for political partisan activities,” DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said.
Triggers for AKAP
The government is looking at establishing specific triggers or thresholds for the release of AKAP funds to ensure that only qualified beneficiaries receive the aid, the Department of Budget and Management said.
Speaking at the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum on Wednesday, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman likened the proposed measure to the fuel subsidy program, where aid distribution is activated only when prices reach a certain level.
“Maybe they can put some sort of trigger before releasing the funds. If there is an inflation limit, it needs to be hit,” Pangandaman said.
“It’s similar to the fuel subsidy program of the Department of Transportation and the Department of Agriculture, where before they trigger the release of the subsidy, gasoline prices need to reach a specific high level,” she said.
“The national ID can help identify who truly needs the assistance, ensuring that the aid reaches the intended recipients,” she stated, adding that the proposed measure also aims to prevent misuse and duplication.
To address concerns about the potential misuse of AKAP, Pangandaman affirmed that guidelines would include provisions to prevent political exploitation, such as prohibiting the use of politicians’ names, images or campaign materials during aid distribution.
“(DWSD) Sec. Rex Gatchalian said that and I support that. He also said that we need to ensure AKAP won’t be used by those who are running for the coming elections and I also support that,” she said.
“We listen to the public who want social protection programs free from political influence. That’s why we want to be very specific on how we distribute the social protection programs,” the DBM chief added.
Candidates’ drug links
The Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG) is meticulously verifying reports of candidates allegedly involved in illegal drugs.
According to PDEG spokesman Lt. Dhame Malang, they are still verifying information that they have received.
“Election periods often bring about attempts to discredit opponents, and we need to ensure that our reports are accurate,” Malang said in Filipino.
He added that if any intelligence report is confirmed, PDEG will fulfill its mandate and inform the public.
When asked about reports of drug-related fundraising activities by narco-politicians, Malang said no such activities have been detected so far. However, PDEG continues to monitor for such instances.
“Our director, Brig. Gen. Eleazar Matta, has directed us to keep a close eye on movements and activities related to these issues. While we have no confirmed cases yet, we remain vigilant,” Malang said. – Keisha Ta-asan, Mark Ernest Villeza, Sheila Crisostomo