Watchdog urges probe into alleged misuse of aid funds

Social Watch Philippines (SWP) has called for a renewed investigation into the alleged misuse of government social aid programs linked to political patronage and potential corruption.

The group flagged the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD), the Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP), and the former Ayuda para sa Kapos at Kita Program (AKAP) as highly discretionary and vulnerable to abuse.

In a recent Senate hearing, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong testified that political allies of the Marcos administration were reportedly granted pooled funds of around PHP 30,000,000—up to PHP 7,000,000 each—based on campaign involvement.

He said these allocations were tied to participation in campaign sorties ahead of the 2025 national elections.

Officials from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) admitted during the same hearing that there is no centralized list of beneficiaries and that fund distribution rules remain unclear.

“These admissions confirm long-standing suspicions of weak oversight and blurred accountability,” SWP said in a statement.

Despite repeated concerns, these programs continue to receive significant funding under the 2026 National Expenditure Program (NEP).

AKAP has been removed from the NEP, but similar programs remain, with the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) receiving PHP 27.03 billion, TUPAD getting PHP 12.14 billion, and MAIFIP allocated PHP 24.24 billion.

These figures were further inflated through congressional realignments, with the House Budget Amendments Review Sub-committee transferring PHP 255 billion from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to other aid programs.

The revised allocations include PHP 32.06 billion for AICS, PHP 26.73 billion for MAIFIP, and PHP 14.82 billion for TUPAD.

SWP co-convenor Dr. Ma. Victoria Raquiza criticized the programs for being open to “patronage-laden” practices and suggested alternative approaches to improve transparency and impact.

“Instead of sustaining questionable allocations, these billions can be redirected to life-saving programs like Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) prevention, including tobacco control,” Raquiza said.

She cited a 2019 World Health Organization (WHO) study showing that investing in NCD prevention could save over 350,000 lives and contribute to economic growth over 15 years.

SWP said financial assistance for medical needs should instead be channeled through public investments in PhilHealth and Department of Health (DOH) hospitals to strengthen Zero Balance Billing (ZBB).

The group also emphasized that TUPAD and AICS are valid social protection programs that should be administered exclusively by DOLE and DSWD.

“Our aid programs should be TRAPO-proof and EPAL-proof,” Raquiza said.

“Some lawmakers act as if the money is coming from their own pockets, as if giving ayuda is a political favor,” she added.

“That is pure patronage politics,” Raquiza said, warning of reports that portions of the funds are being misappropriated.

She stressed that public aid is a right, not a privilege, particularly because it is funded by taxpayers.

SWP continues to call on Congress and oversight institutions to strengthen transparency mechanisms, end political interference in aid distribution, and ensure aid funds truly reach those in need.