Palace Press Officer Claire Castro

Malacanang on Monday said it would not be easy for the government to stop the distribution of aid under the controversial Ayuda Para sa Kapos ang Kita (AKAP) program despite concerns. 

Such calls came after reports that some incumbent officials gunning for re-election in the coming 2025 polls are using the aid to influence voters in their favor. 

“Mahirap po kasing ihinto ang pagbibigay ng ayuda sa taumbayan. Umaasa rin po sila diyan, katulad nga po nito, sabi po sa survey ay diumanong tumataas ang hunger rate, kahit marami na po tayong programa ng ayuda. Kaya sabi nga po natin, titingnan natin kung saan nanggagaling ito,” Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said when asked if the AKAP implementation would be paused before the midterm polls. 

“Hindi po ito mapapahinto agad-agad ng administrasyon at mas marami po sigurong mga kababayan natin ang mag-aalma lalo na kung nasanay na po silang kumuha ng ganitong ayuda para po ipangtawid sa pang-araw-araw nilang pangangailangan,” she said. 

The Department of Social Welfare had earlier prohibited politicians and anything associated with them during aid distribution. 

Under the new guidelines, only those earning below minimum wage may apply for financial assistance depending on specific needs, such as medical and burial expenses as well as food and transportation expenses.