The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) announced on Thursday that it has implemented stricter guidelines for the Ayuda Para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) to prevent its exploitation for political purposes during the campaign period and ensure the responsible use of public funds.

At a forum in the DSWD Central Office in Quezon City, Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said the new rules include publicly posting the names of AKAP beneficiaries by province to promote transparency.

“Under the joint memorandum circular (JMC) issued for the implementation of AKAP, the DSWD shall regularly publish the beneficiaries. It will be limited to the province, names of the recipients,” Dumlao said.

However, personal details will remain confidential, with additional information only available upon formal request, in compliance with Data Privacy laws.

The JMC also strictly prohibits the display or distribution of posters, banners, or any materials linking politicians to the AKAP, as well as the presence of politicians or political actors during actual offsite financial assistance distribution.

She explained that to ensure only qualified individuals receive assistance, the department introduced a rigorous assessment and validation process.

Beneficiaries will undergo thorough evaluation using intake sheets to confirm they lack other support systems or financial resources, making them genuinely in need.

Additionally, the grievance mechanism has been strengthened to improve monitoring and accountability.

The revised guidelines, developed in collaboration with the National Economic and Development Authority and the Department of Labor and Employment, were mandated by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. as part of his veto message during the signing of the 2025 General Appropriations Act on Dec. 30.

The AKAP is one of 12 DSWD programs exempted from the ban on the release of public funds ahead of the May 12 midterm elections. (PNA)