Subsidy to political parties opposed

A Lakas congressman opposed yesterday the proposal for the government to subsidize political parties.

"Political parties are not indigents deserving of state compassion. They should not compete with poor citizens in need of government doleouts," said Bukidnon Rep. Juan Miguel Zubiri.

He said it would be a shame if politicians and their parties get subsidies for "sloganeering and pamphleteering" while the state lacks funds for important projects.

Zubiri was commenting on the proposed state financing of political parties. The proposal is contained in the declaration signed by leaders of various political groups at the end of the first Political Summit last Sunday.

The proposed state financing aims to lessen the influence of drug and gambling money on politics.

The Bukidnon congressman said even if the state fully subsidizes political parties, there is no guarantee that they will not receive funds from drug lords, illegal gambling operators, criminal syndicates, and vested interest groups.

Zubiri, however, favors some form of assistance to all political groups, big and small.

For instance, he said all these groups can have free airtime in state-owned radio and television states, and even free space in government-run newspapers.

This is subsidy in kind, not cash, he said.

He also opposed proposals to relax the pro-Filipino economic provisions of the Constitution, such as the one limiting land ownership to Filipinos.

He said in China, foreigners cannot own land but there is an influx of foreign investors there because they feel that the political and economic environment is conducive to making money.

Allowing foreigners to own land here is not the formula to attract investment, he said.

He stressed that a stable political situation, better peace and order conditions, improved infrastructure, and an efficient bureaucracy should be the secret to enticing investors.– Jess Diaz