The Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) has emerged as a powerful example of transparent and efficient use of public funds, according to House Committee on Appropriations chairman Elizaldy Co.
“AKAP is a clear example of how government funds should be used—efficiently and without corruption,” said Co of the Ako-Bicol party-list group.
“Do we want confidential funds like those in Davao City, DepEd or Office of the Vice President under VP Sara Duterte which were riddled with 100 percent corruption, or programs like AKAP with zero corruption? Those most vocal critics are who do nothing to help the needy). AKAP directly addresses inflation and uplifts the lives of our countrymen, especially the near-poor.”
According to an official statement of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), AKAP provided P5,000 in cash assistance to nearly five million near-poor Filipinos in 2024, achieving a 99.31 percent utilization rate of its P26.7 billion budget. It has been widely praised for its transparency and impact, helping families cope with the challenges of inflation and economic hardship.
The House Appropriations chair also used AKAP’s success to draw a stark contrast with the failures of past administrations, asking hard-hitting questions about the misuse of public funds.
“If we can achieve this now, why wasn’t it done before? Where did the money go? Napunta ba ito sa confidential funds o sa 27,000 na extrajudicial killings (Did it go to confidential funds or to 27,000 extrajudicial killings) ?” he asked.
Calling for justice for the Filipino people, Co urged accountability for the misuse of public resources and human rights abuses of the past.
“The Filipino people deserve justice for those who were wronged. Let’s not avoid the issue," Co said.
The lawmaker stressed the importance of programs like AKAP in demonstrating how good governance can make a real difference in people’s lives. “Criticism without action is noise. While others talk, AKAP delivers,” he added.
As AKAP moves forward with plans to assist another five million Filipinos in 2025, Co reaffirmed his commitment to pushing for transparency and accountability in all government initiatives.
“This is the kind of leadership Filipinos deserve—honest, efficient, and free from corruption. Let’s learn from the past and build a better future for every Filipino,” he stressed.
