City's first poll expense filer reports only P65,000

CEBU, Philippines - A former barangay captain claims he only spent P65,000 to run his campaign as a candidate for councilor in the north district of Cebu City.

Victoriano Go, who lost in the race, was the first candidate in Cebu City to file his statement of campaign contributions and expenses before the Commission on Elections.

Go, former barangay captain of Pahina San Nicolas, said that of the total amount he spent, P15,000 was his personal funds while the P50,000 he received as contributions from his friends.

He however did not reveal the names of his campaign donors.

Go’s declared expenses were way below the P832,000 allowed by the Comelec for candidates to spend in the north district. Under the Comelec rules a candidate running with a political party is allowed to spend P5 per voter while P3 for independent candidates.

City election officer Edwin Cadungog said Go was the first to file his statement of campaign contributions and expenses. They are still waiting for 92 other candidates who filed their certificates of candidacy in Cebu City during the last May 10 elections to also submit theirs.

Cadungog said the winning and losing candidates will face sanctions if they fail to file their statements of campaign contributions and expenses by June 9.

No person elected to any public office shall be allowed to assume office until he or she has filed the statement of contributions and expenditures.

“Malagmit karon na usab ning semanaha mag-lumbaanay og file. Ingon ani man g’yud ang batasan sa mga Filipino,” a Comelec personnel said.

The law also said the prohibition shall apply if the political party, which nominated the winning candidate, fails to file the statement required not later than one month after the day of election.

Those who fail to comply with the provisions of the election laws shall be fined P1,000 to P30,000 and if the same violator commits a similar violation for the second time, the fines will be doubled and he or she will receive the additional punishment of lifetime disqualification from holding public office.   (FREEMAN NEWS)