Sen Marcos says senators unaware of P26.7B AKAP in budget

Senator Imee Marcos stated on Thursday that senators were unaware of the P26.7 billion Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) inserted in the 2024 budget.

Marcos explained during an interview that her and other senators' e-signatures were collected for the final version without knowing its contents, as per House rules.

Zambales 1st District Rep. Jefferson Khonghun questioned Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri's leadership on Sunday, stating that Marcos' recent claims contradict Zubiri's earlier call for professionalism between chambers.

Khonghun noted that the documents containing signatures of both senators and congressmen who approved the budget are now public, including those related to AKAP.

First District of Bataan Rep. Geraldine Roman and First District of Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin also criticized Zubiri's leadership, questioning whether it is a 'leadership vacuum' or just lip service.

Both lawmakers urged senators to align their actions with their words as the Senate sets a timeline for charter change by March.