The Senate has removed the proposed ₱39 billion allocation for the Ayuda para sa Kapos at Kita Program (AKAP)—a cash aid initiative aimed at minimum wage earners—from the ₱6.352 trillion national budget for 2025.
Senate’s Decision
According to Senator Imee Marcos, the AKAP program was excluded entirely from the Senate’s version of the General Appropriations Bill. Marcos explained during the Senate plenary deliberations that while providing immediate financial assistance is important, the focus should also be on broader social protection programs.
“While we recognize the necessity of immediate relief by direct financial assistance, it is imperative to focus also on social protection initiatives,” said Marcos, who sponsors the budget for the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
The AKAP program and the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) may be merged into a single initiative, according to the senator.
Criticism of AKAP
Senators raised concerns about the AKAP program’s late inclusion in the bicameral conference committee version of the 2024 national budget, where it reportedly first appeared. They argued that the cash aid might not reach the country’s poorest sectors, questioning its allocation and effectiveness.
House Defends AKAP
House Speaker Martin Romualdez expressed concern over the Senate’s decision to scrap the program.
“Medyo nangangamba ako kasi ‘yung ibang kaibigan natin sa Senado, gusto raw i-scrap o itanggal ‘yung AKAP,” Romualdez said. (I am concerned because our friends in the Senate want the AKAP scrapped.)
He emphasized that the program is essential for minimum wage earners, defined as those earning ₱21,000 or less per month. Romualdez called on the House Committee on Appropriations to push for the reinstatement of the AKAP allocation during the bicameral conference committee discussions.
“Sa Senado, ‘di yata nakakaintindi kasi ‘di yata sila bumababa masyado,” he added. (Our friends in the Senate might not understand because they don’t usually go down to the communities.)
AKAP’s Proposed Allocation
Under the initial 2025 budget proposal, the allocation for AKAP increased significantly, from ₱13 million in 2024 to ₱39.8 billion in 2025. Despite this, senators criticized the program for not prioritizing the most vulnerable groups.
Next Steps
The House is expected to advocate for the inclusion of AKAP in the final version of the national budget, arguing its importance in addressing the financial struggles of minimum wage earners. The bicameral conference committee will play a key role in determining the program’s fate.