ASEAN Beat

The Politics of ‘Ayuda’ in the Philippines

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ASEAN Beat | Politics | Southeast Asia

The Politics of ‘Ayuda’ in the Philippines

Government funds intended for the poor are often used by politicians as a form of political patronage.

The Politics of ‘Ayuda’ in the Philippines

Election posters depicting presidential candidate Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his vice-presidential running-mate Sara Duterte hang on gate ahead of the 2022 Philippine General Elections in Manila, Philippines, April 16, 2022.

Credit: ID 245495167 © Jimkayalar | Dreamstime.com

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed the 2025 national budget with a provision for the “conditional implementation” of some items, including a controversial “ayuda” (aid) program for the poor.

“This way we ensure that its implementation will be strategic leading to the long-term improvement of the lives of qualified beneficiaries, while guarding against misuse, and duplication, and fragmented benefits,” Marcos said. “This approach is anchored on a simple yet profound truth: the appropriation of public funds must not break the public trust,” he added.

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