Guidelines for ayuda distribution submitted to Comelec

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.

- MAYEN JAYMALIN

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.