Manila, Jan. 12 -- Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian on Monday said the department will adopt the guidelines of the now-defunded Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) that prohibit the presence of government officials and politicians during the off-site payout of financial aid for the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) and other programs.

Gatchalian was referring to Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2025-01 prohibiting politicians from joining cash aid distribution, which was issued by the DSWD, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and the National Economic and Development Authority, now called the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev).

"Remember, w...