Guidelines for ayuda distribution submitted to Comelec

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and two other government agencies submitted to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) the guidelines for the implementation of the controversial Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) and other “ayuda” programs during the election ban.

In the joint memoranda with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and the Philippine Statistics Authority, the DSWD stressed that financial assistance shall be provided only to qualified clients under the guidelines.

The DSWD assures the public that AKAP’s implementation will benefit intended recipients “without the need of any intermediaries or middlemen.”

During the offsite implementation of the program, DSWD said the display or distribution of posters linked to politicians shall be prohibited. The presence of any politician during the actual distribution is also not allowed.

The DSWD further vowed to take immediate action on reports of fraudulent applications. Those proven guilty of fraudulent acts shall be disqualified from receiving financial assistance.

For its part, the DOLE said AKAP will be implemented through its Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards. It may endorse qualified workers for assistance based on the guidelines.

NEDA shall provide technical assistance while PSA shall prioritize individuals applying for AKAP in obtaining national ID.

Comelec previously granted the DSWD’s request to exempt AKAP and its other projects and programs from the election ban but required submission of implementing guidelines.

Comelec review

Comelec Chairman George Garcia said their legal department is now reviewing the proposed guidelines submitted by the DSWD for the implementation of AKAP.

Garcia said they need to determine whether the guidelines would satisfy the conditions set by the commission.

He stressed that the Comelec just wants to ensure that there will be no abuse of state resources with the implementation of AKAP and other social welfare programs during the election ban.

The guidelines will automatically cover the first request for exemption by the DSWD. But they will still have to determine whether this could be applied with the second request for exemption for the distribution of a higher amount of P12-billion financial assistance under AKAP.

Bets using 4Ps program

While the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program remains impartial and free from any political influence, the DSWD appealed anew to 4Ps beneficiaries to be wary of political candidates using the program to advance their agenda.

“Do not believe any candidates or politicians who will tell you that they can include or remove you in the program,” Marie Grace Ponce, 4Ps social marketing division chief, said in DSWD’s online program “4Ps Fastbreak.”

“The DSWD is the only agency authorized to remove beneficiaries from 4Ps and you cannot easily be removed. There is a clear process under the law that can remove you from this program,” Ponce said.

To safeguard the DSWD’s programs and services from any political interference, the department issued Memorandum Circular No. 9, S. 2021 or the “Policy Guidelines on Strengthening Partnership with Stakeholders During Election and Non-Election Periods.”

Under the memorandum circular, the DSWD will strengthen its advocacy work to disseminate information that the agency’s programs and services cannot be used for any political agenda.

Ponce said activities which involve the gathering of 4Ps beneficiaries are likewise allowed, including meetings with volunteers or parent leaders when needed, as long as these are not held to advance any candidate’s political agenda. –  Jose Rodel Clapano