THE conflict between the Senate and the House of Representatives over financial matters continues to deepen, apart from the controversial PI, another program of the DSWD is under scrutiny.
The conflict between the Senate and the House of Representatives over financial matters continues to deepen.
Apart from the controversial People’s Initiative, another program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development is under scrutiny.
“It’s not included, but this is among the deliberations where we also mentioned our “near poor” programs for minimum wage earners,” according to Asec. Romel Lopez, Department of Social Welfare and Development.
That’s the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) response to the question of whether the Ayuda sa Kapos sa Kita Program (AKAP) funded with P26.7 Billion this year is their program.
AKAP is not included in the 2024 national expenditure program or the budget proposal submitted by the executive department to the House of Representatives.
Even DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian couldn’t explain why they have the AKAP Program this year.
Gatchalian, a former congressman, was questioned by lawmakers who are members of the bicameral conference as to where the AKAP originated from.
“During our hearing, it wasn’t there yet, but we also can’t answer what happened during the bicameral conference meeting,” said Sec. Rex Gatchalian, Department of Social Welfare and Development.
Senators were surprised that such a program exists under the DSWD this year.
They also questioned the implementation of the billions allocated to AKAP, especially since it reportedly lacks implementing rules and regulations.
“I also became curious about AKAP, which I only heard about now. Perhaps, can I ask the DSWD what this program is about? Is it just between the House and the [DSWD] because we in the Senate are not aware of it. So, is it with DSWD and the House of Representatives, that program?” said Sen. JV Ejercito.
However, the congressmen insisted that senators were aware of AKAP. They also said that the program’s intention is noble – to assist minimum wage earners.
Congressmen assert that senators are aware of the AKAP Program in the 2024 budget
“This is my signature, and this proves that I have read the bicameral conference committee report and I understood the contents of the report. So, it’s clear here that they should know the contents of the bicameral conference committee report,” Rep. Jil Bongalon, AKO-BICOL Party-list stated.
Some Minority members in the House admitted that the AKAP Program was inserted during the BICAM. They were also surprised to learn about such a program.
“In fact, it’s clear that last December, the bicameral conference committee met twice, and the DSWD’s AKAP Program was discussed,” Bongalon added.
The Congressmen also appealed to senators not to discredit their colleagues in the House.
But the Senate said they’re just doing their job in checking and balancing the government.
“It has a total of P26.7 Billion, and nowhere does it state that it will be used for the People’s Initiative,” Rep. Geraldine Roman, Bataan 1st District stressed.
