Senator Ronald 'Bato' Dela Rosa refuses billions in AKAP funding, advocating for DSWD to manage social aid programs and calling for restrictions on financial aid distribution during election campaigns.
Senator Ronald 'Bato' Dela Rosa stated that he has no objections if his office doesn't receive billions of pesos in funding for the AKAP (Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program) under the 2025 national budget. In fact, he declared that he wouldn't even accept the funds if offered. Dela Rosa explained that despite facing challenges in his reelection campaign and the need to appease various stakeholders, he would appeal to their morality and highlight his inability to provide any substantial benefits.
He suggested that the Senate leadership allocate the reported P5 billion AKAP funds to other senators instead of his office.Dela Rosa emphasized the importance of granting the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) sole authority over distributing AKAP and other government social aid programs. While he acknowledged the necessity of assisting the most impoverished individuals, he stressed that the distribution process should be managed solely by the DSWD, not politicians. He expressed concern that AKAP and other social assistance programs could be exploited for vote-buying, particularly in the context of the upcoming 2025 national and local elections.He stated that removing politicians from the equation would allow the DSWD to effectively distribute government funds to citizens without interference. He criticized the House of Representatives for incorporating AKAP funds into the budget for their own benefit, despite the DSWD ultimately implementing the program. He urged the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to prohibit the distribution of financial aid during the campaign period, as it could unduly influence voters' decisions. Dela Rosa is among the senators who previously questioned the allocation of AKAP funds under the 2024 national budget. Doubts about the program's purpose emerged during a Senate investigation into a controversial people's initiative, revealing that the DSWD hadn't proposed the program initially
AKAP Ayuda Sa Kapos Ang Kita Program Ronald Dela Rosa DSWD Department Of Social Welfare And Development Vote-Buying Elections Commission On Elections Senate House Of Representatives
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