Representative Elizaldy Co of Ako Bicol Party List.
THE Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) has emerged as a powerful example of transparent and efficient use of public funds, House Committee on Appropriations Chairperson Rep. Zaldy Co said today (02 January 2025).
“AKAP is a clear example of how government funds should be used—efficiently and without corruption,” Co said. “Do we want confidential funds like those in Davao City, DepEd or Office of the Vice President under Vp Sara Duterte which were riddled with 100% corruption, or programs like AKAP with zero corruption? Ang pinakamalalakas bumatikos ay kadalasan yung walang ginagawa para tumulong sa tao. AKAP directly addresses inflation and uplifts the lives of our countrymen, especially the near-poor.”
According to an official statement of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), AKAP provided P5,000 in cash assistance to nearly 5 million near-poor Filipinos in 2024, achieving a 99.31% utilization rate of its P26.7 billion budget. It has been widely praised for its transparency and impact, helping families cope with the challenges of inflation and economic hardship.
The House appro chair also used AKAP’s success to draw a stark contrast with the failures of past administrations, asking hard-hitting questions about the misuse of public funds.
“If we can achieve this now, why wasn’t it done before? Where did the money go? Napunta ba ito sa confidential funds o sa 27,000 na extrajudicial killings?” he asked.
Calling for justice for the Filipino people, Co urged accountability for the misuse of public resources and human rights abuses of the past.
“The Filipino people deserve justice for those who were wronged. Huwag nating ilihis ang usapan. Kailangang panagutin ang mga responsable sa pag-abuso sa pondo ng bayan at pagkawala ng mga inosenteng buhay.”
The lawmaker stressed the importance of programs like AKAP in demonstrating how good governance can make a real difference in people’s lives. “Criticism without action is noise. While others talk, AKAP delivers. Ganito ang nangyayari kapag inuuna natin ang kapakanan ng tao kaysa politika,” he added.
As AKAP moves forward with plans to assist another 5 million Filipinos in 2025, Co reaffirmed his commitment to pushing for transparency and accountability in all government initiatives.
“This is the kind of leadership Filipinos deserve—honest, efficient, and free from corruption. Let’s learn from the past and build a better future for every Filipino,” he concluded.
