MANILA — Senator Rodante D. Marcoleta has proposed the realignment of P18 billion from what he called “duplicate” social assistance programs to subsidize more lifeline electricity consumers in the country.

During the budget hearing of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Marcoleta cited a Commission on Audit (COA) report noting overlaps between the Assistance for Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) and Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita (AKAP).

“The COA has noted the duplication of AKAP with AICS program based on accounting and budgetary records,” Marcoleta said, stressing that the lack of clear distinctions between the two programs led to multiple availments by the same beneficiaries.

He added that dole-out programs such as AICS, AKAP, and TUPAD have also been used for political purposes, particularly during elections.

Under his proposal, the P17.7 billion budget for AICS in 2026 could instead cover the electricity bills of up to 5.5 million poor households consuming 230 kilowatt-hours and below. This is in line with his Senate Bill No. 63, which seeks to expand the lifeline rate subsidy program under the Electric Power Industry Reform Act.

“Ang subsidy, deretsong pupunta sa pamilya. Covered na covered mo ngayon, wala nang makapagpapasikat na politiko na akala mo galing sa bulsa niya yung AICS, lalo na yung AKAP,” he said.

Marcoleta also pointed out that AICS has no enabling law and exists only through internal DSWD guidelines, making realignment possible.

“So siguro internally magagawa natin ito. Diretso sa tao, what do you think? It’s a very practical measure na made-deliver natin at palagay ko, zero corruption ito,” he said.

In response, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said the agency is ready to implement reforms in its budget and programs as approved by Congress.