Manila, March 27 -- Only individuals earning below the minimum wage are now eligible for financial assistance under the revised guidelines of the Ayuda sa Kapos at Kita Program (AKAP), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian announced on Thursday.

At a press briefing, Gatchalian said the changes align with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s veto message in the General Appropriations Act (GAA), ensuring more targeted interventions that promote long-term improvement for beneficiaries while preventing misuse.

"Dati kasi last year, ang term na ginamit sa (the term used in the) special provision was low income. So, ngayon, mas defined siya as below minimum wage... mas manipis siya (now it's more defined...