Sen. Imee Marcos knew about the P26.7 billion allocated for the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita program (AKAP) under the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) as she signed the bicameral conference committee report when the Senate approved the 2024 national budget.
This was the assertion of members of the House of Representatives yesterday in defense of Speaker Martin Romualdez amid accusations that the cash assistance program for the “nearpoor” was at his beck and call.
Senior House Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr. showed Congress reporters a copy of the page where the senator affixed her signature in the bicameral conference report containing funds for AKAP. “AKAP is part of the 2024 national budget. The Senate gave its stamp of approval when it passed the then proposed P5.768-trillion outlay for this year in plenary last Nov. 28,” Gonzales recalled.
Media reports showed 21 senators voted “yes” in the plenary for the national budget, with one abstention and no negative vote.
Marcos, who defended the DSWD budget for 2024 in the Senate, said she did not notice the item as she pointed out that her signature on the document was electronic, and there was no proper discussion about AKAP during the bicameral conference.
She said she would set a separate probe on the issue.
Esta historia es de la edición February 15, 2024 de The Philippine Star.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición February 15, 2024 de The Philippine Star.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Robinsons Appliances opens in Ayala Malls Vermosa
Robinsons Appliances, a trusted name in appliances and gadgets shopping, celebrated the grand opening of one of its biggest branches at Ayala Malls Vermosa.
BBM: Phi-US ties won't change under Trump
President Marcos is optimistic of the unshakeable alliance between the Philippines and the US under the administration of president-elect Donald Trump.
Kremlin denies Trump call, says West not ready for talks
MOSCOW (AFP) - Russia on Monday denied a reported call between President Vladimir Putin and US president-elect Donald Trump on the Ukraine conflict and said it saw no signs the West was ready for talks.
Discovery Resorts: The new face of Filipino luxury hospitality
Discovery Hospitality Corporation (DHC), a homegrown leader in Filipino luxury hospitality, has launched its reimagined brand-Discovery Resorts-marking a new era in its pursuit of providing an elevated guest experience rooted in Filipino warmth and world-class service.
20 years of building the good life: Henry Sy, Jr. and SMDC's journey
\"TRUE HOMEOWNERSHIP INVOLVES CREATING VIBRANT COMMUNITIES WHERE PEOPLE CAN FEEL SECURE, MAKE MEMORIES, AND TRULY BELONG.\" - Henry Sy, Jr.
Trump taps Waltz, China hawk, as nat'l security adviser
President-elect Donald Trump has asked US Rep. Michael Waltz, a retired Army National Guard officer and war veteran, to be his national security adviser, a person familiar with the matter said on Monday.
Robinsons Appliances opens in Ayala Malls Vermosa
Robinsons Appliances, a trusted name in appliances and gadgets shopping, celebrated the grand opening of one of its biggest branches at Ayala Malls Vermosa.
Oh, what wonders await you at Rockwell!
The holiday season kicks off with Rockwell transforming into a dazzling wonderland, brimming with festive cheer and delightful surprises at every corner.
Embracing wellness as a way of life in the city
When one lives in the city, wellness cannot remain merely a goal—it must become a way of life.
METRO MANILA OFFICE VACANCY RATES TO REMAIN ELEVATED
Vacancy rates in the Metro Manila office market are expected to remain elevated in the medium term, driven by the total ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and the implementation of the CREATE MORE Bill, according to a commercial real estate services firm.
