The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is set to implement the revised and stricter guidelines of the Ayuda Para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP), a senior official said.
DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said the revised guidelines will ensure that systems are fine-tuned to prevent the program from being used for political purposes during the campaign period and to guarantee the responsible use of taxpayers’ money.
One of the new provisions requires the public posting of the names of individuals, by province, who received financial assistance under the AKAP to enhance transparency.
“In the Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) issued regarding the implementation of AKAP, it is stated that the DSWD will regularly publish the names of AKAP beneficiaries. This is limited to the province, names of the recipients,” Dumlao told a media forum.
To protect the confidentiality and security of beneficiaries’ personal information, any additional details may be provided upon request, subject to compliance with applicable Data Privacy Law and regulations, according to the DSWD spokesperson.
“If you request additional information, for example, the amount, specific address, that is subject to the provisions of the Data Privacy Act, a formal request is required,” Dumlao said.
The JMC also strictly prohibits the display or distribution of posters, banners, or any materials linking politicians to the AKAP, as well as the presence of politicians during actual offsite financial assistance distribution.
According to Dumlao, the revised guidelines also include a rigorous assessment and validation process for potential AKAP beneficiaries.
The grievance mechanism has also been strengthened to enhance the monitoring of AKAP’s implementation.
The revised AKAP guidelines—jointly prepared by the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and the DSWD—is a requirement set by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as conveyed in his veto message during the signing of the General Appropriations Act (GAA) 2025 last December 30.
A copy of the JMC was submitted to the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) on March 4.