Malacañang stated on Monday that the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) will proceed despite the onset of the election period, highlighting the essential support it provides to numerous Filipinos in meeting their daily needs.
"Mahirap po kasing ihinto ang pagbibigay ng ayuda sa taumbayan. Umaasa rin po sila diyan," said Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro when asked whether the government would order the postponement of the distribution of AKAP.
Castro further emphasized that surveys indicate a rise in hunger rates, even with the government's various assistance programs in place.
"Sabi po sa survey ay diumanong tumataas ang hunger rate kahit marami na po tayong programa ng ayuda," Castro stated.
"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 ipantawid sa pang-araw-araw nilang pangangailangan," she added.
Financial aid under AKAP is provided to individuals and families experiencing economic difficulties, particularly those affected by unemployment, natural disasters, or financial instability.
Several groups previously filed a petition before the Supreme Court seeking a temporary restraining order on AKAP, asserting that the program shares features with a congressional pork barrel.
In another development, the COMELEC issued a Certificate of Exemption last week, allowing the continuation of certain Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) programs, including AKAP, despite the election spending ban.
