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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider House leader responds to Imee: 'Ayuda' funds not being funneled to Cha-cha, PI 

House leader responds to Imee: 'Ayuda' funds not being funneled to Cha-cha, PI 

Published Feb 13, 2024 01:21 pm

At A Glance

  • Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co belied Senator Imee Marcos' claim that the money earmarked for the Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita (AKAP) program was being funneled to the People's Initiative (PI) for Charter change (Cha-cha). 

20240213_210343.jpgAko Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co (left), Senator Imee Marcos (Facebook)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations belied Senator Imee Marcos' claim that the money earmarked for the Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita (AKAP) program was being funneled to the People’s Initiative (PI) for Charter change (Cha-cha). 

“Dinudungisan po ni Senador Imee Marcos ang malinis na intensyon ng AKAP na tulungan ang mga kababayan nating may trabaho ngunit kapos ang kita," Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co said in a statement Tuesday night, Feb. 13. 

(Senator Imee Marcos is sullying the noble intention of AKAP to help our countrymen who, despite being employed, struggle to make ends meet.) 

"Taumbayan na po ang bahalang humusga sa kanyang pamumulitika sa isang programang pantulong sa mahirap,” noted Co, referring to Senator Marcos' allegation of misuse of the program's funds. 

(I leave it to the people to render judgment to her politicking of a program that's intended to help the poor.) 

The lady senator made the claim amid the continued back and forth between the House of Representatives and the Senate on the issue of Cha-cha and PI, which entails a signature drive. A Senate probe being led by Senator Marcos herself has insinuated that the alleged House-backed PI was rife with incidents of bribing. 

The appropriations committe chairman assured the public that Senator Marcos’ allegations were unfounded and that the "ayuda" funds under AKAP will be distributed strictly in accordance with the provisions set forth in the 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA) or national budget. 

Announced by the House of Representatives last November, the AKAP program was specifically designed to provide a one-time, P5,000 cash assistance to Filipino families affected by the global inflation and the surge in commodity prices. 

AKAP's target beneficiaries include construction workers, factory workers, delivery riders, food service crew, and the like. 

Set aside under AKAP was P50 billion for direct support to famlies earning less than P23,000 monthly. This ensures that those not covered by the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) due to their income bracket would still receive necessary aid. 

"Congress stands by its commitment to enhance government support for Filipinos, particularly those impacted by the economic challenges posed by global inflation and ongoing geopolitical tensions," Co said.

Related Tags

Charter change People’s Initiative imee marcos zaldy co ayuda
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