ILOILO – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is cracking down on excessive campaign spending ahead of the May 12 midterm polls, reminding candidates and political parties that breaching the legally mandated spending cap — set at only P3 to P5 per registered voter — constitutes an election offense punishable by imprisonment and disqualification from public office.
Comelec-Iloilo, under Provincial Election Supervisor Atty. Reinier Layson, issued the reminder as part of its intensified campaign to enforce responsible and lawful electioneering.
The spending limit, as defined under Section 5 of Comelec Resolution No. 11086, allows candidates affiliated with political parties to spend up to P3 per voter in their constituency, while independent candidates and political parties or party-lists are allowed P5 per voter.
“These authorized limits ensure a level playing field. Overspending is not just unfair — it’s illegal,” Layson said, urging all contenders to strictly adhere to campaign finance rules to maintain electoral integrity.
The election body stressed that violations of spending limits — covered under Section 13 of the Fair Election Act (RA 9006) — may lead to criminal prosecution under Section 264 of the Omnibus Election Code. Offenders face one to six years of imprisonment without the benefit of probation, disqualification from holding public office, and loss of voting rights.
Foreign nationals found guilty shall also face deportation after serving their sentence. Political parties may be fined a minimum of P10,000.
To track campaign expenses, candidates and parties are required by law to submit Statements of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE) within 30 days after election day, as stated in Section 14 of RA 7166. Failure to do so—while decriminalized under amendments to the law—remains an administrative offense, with fines ranging from P1,000 to P30,000 for the first offense, and up to P60,000 for repeat violations. Persistent offenders may also face perpetual disqualification from public office.
“No winning candidate can assume office until their SOCE is filed,” the Comelec reminded, adding that this applies even if the candidate wins by a landslide.
Comelec Region 6 Director Atty. Dennis Ausan earlier explained that overspending is determined based on submitted SOCEs, which must reflect full, accurate, and itemized records of campaign contributions and expenses.
The Comelec urged voters and watchdog groups to remain vigilant and report any suspected violations, which may be filed with the Law Department, regional or provincial election offices, or local election officers./PN
