Pimentel said the move will minimize corruption and prevent “epal” politicians from using government money for political purposes.

This could be gleaned from numerous news reports from the news media that show Lower House officials and other lawmakers personally supervising the distribution of goods and cash assistance to the poor.

The senator is referring to programs being managed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development and Department of Labor and Employment.

The DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) which grants cash aid to persons who are experiencing financial crisis.

The P27.6 billion Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita (AKAP) is another source of possible political corruption as the program calls for the distribution of P5,000 to “near poor” individuals.

The AKAP has not been included in the National Expenditure Program submitted by the Marco administration but the House of Representatives was able to have it funded in the approved 2024 budget law.

Pimentel noted that AKAP is an unnecessary inclusion to the government’s cash assistance program.

He noted that the cash assistance will be given to people who already have sources of income.

DOLE’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) is another source of financial irregularity, it was gathered./

“Kailangan may rationalization para mas marami ang mabigyan,” Pimentel said during an interview over Radio DZBB on Sunday (March 3).

He underscored the importance of having the president lead the review of all existing poverty alleviation programs.