DSWD seeks exemption of AKAP from election ban

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is seeking an exemption of the controversial Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) from the ban that will be implemented by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) during this year’s midterm election period.

Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian said he is opposed to any delay in the implementation of AKAP and other programs of the agency that are badly needed by poor Filipinos.

Gatchalian added that deferment of DSWD programs is also unacceptable if the reason is the fear that the program would be used by politicians.

The election ban is in accordance with Batas Pambansa 881, or the Omnibus Election Code, which prohibits the release, disbursement or expenditure of public funds within 45 days before Election Day.

This is intended to prevent candidates or political parties from using government projects in influencing the outcome of the elections.

DSWD Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Irene Dumlao said they applied for the exemption from the election ban last Dec. 19, but there is “no action from the Comelec yet.”

Dumlao said their request covered not only AKAP, but also other social welfare programs and services, such as the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps, Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations or AICS and Walang Gutom Program.

Photos and video footage show politicians including senators, congressmen and local government officials at AKAP and AICS distribution events.

As of yesterday, the Comelec has yet to grant an election ban exemption for the DSWD’s AKAP, according to Comelec Chairman George Garcia.

But if an exemption is granted, Garcia said the Comelec would require the DSWD to bar politicians from the AKAP distribution during the election period.

He added that the poll body would stop the delivery of necessary social services despite the ban exemption during the election period.

Garcia stressed the need for the DSWD to clearly disclose who the beneficiaries are and the amount of assistance to be distributed.

“In the end, politicians are not needed in the distribution,” Garcia said at a recent press conference.

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