The Commission on Audit (COA) flagged major lapses and system weaknesses in the implementation of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Ayuda Para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP), citing issues of duplication, overlapping assistance, ineligible beneficiaries, and alleged political use.
“The recurring issues stem from inadequate cross-matching procedures, inconsistent database updates, weak inter-office coordination, and overreliance on manually validated or politically endorsed beneficiary lists, resulting in laxity [in] the implementation of the eligibility requirement,” COA said in its 2024 audit report.
In the report released on December 18, COA found that some beneficiaries received similar assistance from different offices within a three-month period, including overlapping aid from AKAP and other DSWD programs.
A total of 19,501 AKAP beneficiaries in Metro Manila allegedly received multiple forms of assistance worth ₱69.441 million over just three months.
COA also noted that 3,565 beneficiaries received AKAP aid despite already benefiting from the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program during the same period, violating provisions of a 2024 DSWD circular.
In addition, ₱11.9 million in AKAP funds reportedly went to 466 beneficiaries earning above the minimum wage.
The audit further cited instances of alleged political involvement, including house-to-house interviews in parts of CALABARZON where beneficiaries claimed they were included in the program through recommendations from lawmakers or party-list groups.