House leaders on Tuesday dismissed “malicious” claims regarding the P26 billion allocation for the Ayuda Para sa Kapos sa Kita Program (AKAP) in the 2025 national budget, refuting allegations that it is the new face of the controversial “pork barrel.”

Deputy Speaker David “Jayjay” Suarez defended the program’s funding, stressing the need to assist low-income earners who are vulnerable to unexpected economic shocks.

“There’s no problem with helping people. So why should we put malice on [AKAP]? If we look at the study of the DSWD, there is actually a sector that we call near poor," Suarez told reporters in an ambush interview.

"Whenever a problem arises in their family, suddenly they become included in the poor sector. So, the government ensures that we also provide them with a response. Because if we look at the past programs of the DSWD, we are always [focused] on the poorest of the poor. But there are also sectors of society that require assistance as well,” he added.

AKAP for the 'near poor'

The House-initiated AKAP, under the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), is intended to assist the “near poor”, including minimum wage earners making P21,000 or below per month. These individuals are at risk of poverty due to issues such as job loss or inflation.

The bicameral committee, composed of House and Senate members, allocated P26 billion for the program, reinstating it after it was defunded by the Senate in its version of the 2025 General Appropriations Bill (GAB). Of this, P21 billion will go to members of the House, while P5 billion will be allocated to senators.

Critics questioned the substantial funding for AKAP, especially as it coincided with budget cuts for the Department of Education and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation in the approved bicameral report.

Lawmakers deny pork barrel claims

Ako Bicol Rep. Jil Bongalon, vice chair of the House appropriations committee and bicam panel member, assured the public that lawmakers would not control AKAP’s funds. He clarified that their role is limited to “overseeing and suggesting” where the DSWD should implement the program.

He stressed that the DSWD solely manages the initiative.

"In fact, no beneficiary will receive funds out of this program if it is not verified or validated by a registered social worker of DSWD," Bongalon said in Filipino.

Zambales Rep. Jefferson Khonghun echoed Bongalon’s sentiments, firmly stating that AKAP is not a form of corruption.

“[The AKAP] is under the DSWD, and it is not a pork barrel. We, in the majority, affirm that the implementing agency of AKAP is DSWD… It is not a pork barrel,” Khonghun told the media.

Senator Marcos’ criticism

AKAP became controversial after Senator Imee Marcos, sponsor of the DSWD’s budget, criticized this year’s P26.7 billion allocation, calling it “alien” and “magical.” She alleged that the House inserted the program’s funding.

Marcos also accused House lawmakers of using AKAP to fund a signature drive supporting the people’s initiative for Charter change, a contentious proposal opposed by senators.

Recently, the senator urged her brother, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., to carefully review every line item of the 2025 GAB, citing the inclusion of funds for projects that are not aligned with the administration’s priorities.

Marcos argued that government resources would be better used to support long-term development and self-reliance rather than creating another ayuda or cash assistance program.