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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Libre magtanong': AKAP critic Imee Marcos should've asked about 2024 budget, says solon 

'Libre magtanong': AKAP critic Imee Marcos should've asked about 2024 budget, says solon 

Published Feb 18, 2024 06:17 am

At A Glance

  • Senator Imee Marcos should've asked for clarity regarding the 2024 national budget if had any questions about it, said Zambales 1st district Rep. Jefferson Khonghun.
  •  

Imee Marcos.jpgSenator Imee Marcos (Senate PRIB)

Senator Imee Marcos should've asked for clarity regarding the 2024 national budget if had any questions about it.

Thus, said Zambales 1st district Rep. Jefferson Khonghun as he defended the P26.7-billion Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita (AKAP) program for those criticizing it.

Senator Marcos had claimed that the program's funds were being used for the signature drive in connection with the People’s Initiative (PI) for Charter change (Cha-cha).

Her panel, the Senate Committee on Electoral Reforms and People’s Participation, has been carrying out an investigation on the alleged anomalies with the PI, including bribery. But House members said that the probe hasn't proven anything so far.

Last week, House Senior Deputy Speaker Pampanga 3rd district Rep. Aurelio "Dong" Gonzales Jr. said that Senator Marcos actually signed the Bicameral Conference Committee report on the 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA) or national budget.

The AKAP was spelled out in the GAA as a line item. The lady senator, who was a bicam panel member, claimed that the details of the report were not discussed.

“She should have read the document in detail. AKAP was there. She should have asked questions there and then before signing it,” Khonghun said.

He says the purpose of AKAP is “very clear” in the budget, and that its implementer is the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

“The fund is not connected at all with the people’s initiative campaign,” Khonghun clarified.

Related Tags

Sen. Imee Marcos AKAP People’s Initiative
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