No politics in cash aid distribution – DSWD

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June 30, 2025 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Social Welfare and Development has again insisted that there has been no political involvement in the DSWD’s distribution of social protection programs for indigents and near poor individuals.

DSWD director Edwin Morata of the Crisis Intervention Unit said they have policies in place to ensure that programs – such as the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) and the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) – are “protected from being taken advantage of by any political party or individual.”

“It’s very clear as part of the policy (of AKAP) that no one can use the program for their political advantage. Even the presence of those political individuals during our pay-outs are being discouraged,” Morata told journalists during the Saturday News Forum at the Dapo Restaurant in Quezon City.

His statement was in response to allegations that the agency’s programs were “weaponized” during the 2025 midterm polls.

For the AKAP implementation, Morata said the DSWD has issued Joint Memorandum Circular 2025-01 with the Department of Labor and Employment and the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development, to maintain the integrity of AKAP as a targeted social assistance program for below minimum wage workers.

Morata emphasized that the DSWD accommodates all people in crisis, whether they have referrals or none.

Under the AICS program, the DSWD can provide burial, medical, food, transportation assistance, and help in hospital bills payment through the issuance of guarantee letters.

The AKAP, on the other hand, provides financial assistance to individuals earning below the minimum wage since they are the most affected by inflation and economic hardship.