The Philippines’ national debt has ballooned to a staggering P16 trillion, yet the government continues to distribute financial aid as if the treasury is overflowing with wealth. The latest example? Speaker Martin Romualdez’s spending spree in Mindanao, where he handed out P10,000 to all employees of the Davao City Regional Provincial Hospital—doctors, nurses, clerks ,janitors and staff alike.

Even the person who designed a welcome streamer featuring Romualdez’s face was reportedly rewarded with extra cash and sacks of rice, simply because the Speaker’s staff admired the effort. It is generosity on full display—but at whose expense?
In simple terms, “Ninakaw nila yan… Pera ng bayan yan.”

Weaponizing Government Aid
The Ayuda (financial aid) programs, under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) and AKAP programs, were designed to provide relief to those in genuine need. However, Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong has exposed the lack of transparency in how these funds are being distributed.

Instead of being allocated based on clear DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) guidelines, the selection of beneficiaries is allegedly dictated by congressional offices. If DSWD personnel refuse to comply, they are threatened with budget cuts—a clear abuse of power. This is not just unfair; it is a mockery of public service.

If ayuda is truly meant to help those in crisis, why is it being used as a political tool? Why is it distributed at the whim of politicians, rather than through transparent and accountable systems?

A Mountain of Debt, A Future at Risk
While politicians like Romualdez play Santa Claus all year round, the country’s debt burden continues to grow. The Philippines must borrow money just to stay afloat, yet those in power act as if there are unlimited resources to spend.

Let’s break it down:
P16 trillion in debt means that every Filipino, from newborns to senior citizens, effectively owes a share of this massive liability.
Future generations will be the ones who suffer, burdened by repayments for funds they never benefited from.

Instead of investing in sustainable economic programs, the government prioritizes short-term handouts that serve political interests over national welfare.

When Aid Becomes a Political Campaign
The strategic timing and high-profile distribution of ayuda raise serious concerns. These financial handouts do not come from the personal wealth of politicians—they are funded by the taxes of hardworking Filipinos and by loans that the country struggles to repay.

So why do we see politicians like Romualdez parading around, distributing ayuda as if it were a gift from their own pockets? The answer is simple: political patronage.

Instead of real solutions to poverty, politicians use government funds to buy goodwill and secure political loyalty. Instead of systemic reforms, they maintain a cycle of dependence where Filipinos must rely on their “generosity” rather than a well-functioning government.

A Call for Accountability
It is time to demand transparency and accountability:
Audit all Ayuda programs – Every peso should be accounted for, and funds should be distributed based on need, not political connections.

End political interference – No congressman or politician should have control over who gets aid. The DSWD must operate independently and without fear of budget threats.

Shift focus to long-term solutions – Instead of temporary handouts, invest in job creation, healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

The Philippines cannot afford to keep borrowing money just to finance political ambitions. The debt will not be paid by the politicians enjoying the spending spree today—it will be paid by our children and grandchildren.

The question is: Will we allow it? (TAMBULI NG BAYAN-Ronnie Estrada)
Photo:(L-R) Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong and Speaker Martin Romualdez