Comelec vows intensified scrutiny on candidates’ expenses
Section 13 of the said law states that presidential and vice-presidential candidates are only allowed to spend up to P10 per voter
The Commission on Elections stressed that it is doing its best to maintain fair competition among candidates during elections amid reports of misuse of government assets mainly by political dynasties during the 2022 national and local elections.
According to Comelec campaign finance officer Atty. Anne Bernadette Mendiola, the poll body is strictly upholding the law stated in Republic Act 7166.
Section 13 of the said law states that presidential and vice-presidential candidates are only allowed to spend up to P10 per voter, and lower national positions under a political party and independent candidate up to P3 and P5 per voter, respectively.
Political parties are also allowed to spend up to P5 per voter in their respective constituencies.
Mendiola said that they have seen instances of overspending in some candidates, which the Comelec Campaign Finance Office responds through filing of criminal charges.
“We file a criminal complaint for violation of overspending. If approved by our Comelec Law Department, it will be recommended for filing at the Regional Trial Court to hear whether the candidate concerned has indeed violated the law. The candidate could go to jail and be disqualified in his or her position if deemed guilty,” Mendiola said.
She added that prohibition of spending public funds and government works are also implemented during the election season, but candidates could push through their local activities by filing a petition seeking a certificate of exception.
This comes after LENTE Philippines Abuse of State Resources Monitoring Project director Atty. Marisse Aldeza revealed that using government vehicles for campaign activities has been the most common form of election-related misuse of state assets, based on data gathered through the organization’s Abuse of State Resources Monitoring Program.
We file a criminal complaint for violation of overspending. If approved by our Comelec Law Department, it will be recommended for filing at the Regional Trial Court to hear whether the candidate concerned has indeed violated the law.
Aldeza said that misuse of government resources are primarily done by incumbents, mostly hailing from political dynasties, which constitute 80 percent for governors, 68 percent for vice governors, and 55 percent for mayors.
Commenting on campaign finance laws, Aldeza also said that policy loopholes such as the non-mandatory declaration of use of government resources in a candidate’s Statement of Contribution and Expenses and the physical presence of candidates in distributing aid to citizens are some loopholes seen in terms of misusing state resources for election activities.