Republic of thy Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

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NINETEETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 393

Introduced by HON. GUSTAVO S. TAMBUNTING

EXPLANATORY NOTE

During elections, all candidates and political parties are required by law to submit their
respective statement of contributions and expenditures (SOCE) as a prerequisite to
assumption of office. This bill seeks to increase the authorized campaign expenditures
of candidates and political parties to a more realistic level in order to make a more
accurate, truthful, and appropriate SOCE.

The governing law, Republic Act No. 7166, which provides for the limitations upon the
expenses of candidates and political parties was last amended in 1991. It is
noteworthy to consider that the purchasing power of the Philippine peso has
diminished throughout the years. Therefore, there is a need to increase the authorized
limit of campaign expenditures to reflect the economic realities in our country.

On behalf of the people of Parafiaque City’s Second District, and forte common good
of the Filipino people, the approval of the said measure is

EP. GUSTAVO S. TAMBUNTING
2nd District, Parafiaque City


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

NINETEETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE Bri ‘NO. 399

Introduced by HON. GUSTAVO S. TAMBUNTING

AN ACT INCREASING THE AUTHORIZED CAMPAIGN EXPENSES OF
CANDIDATES AND POLITICAL PARTIES, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE
SECTION 13 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7166, ENTITLED “AN ACT PROVIDING
FOR SYNCHRONIZED NATIONAL AND LOCAL ELECTIONS AND FOR
ELECTORAL REFORMS, APPROPRIATING THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES”

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Section 13 of Republic Act No. 7166 is hereby amended to read as
follows:

“Sec. 13. Authorized Expenses of Candidates and Political Parties.
—The aggregate amount that a candidate or registered political party may spend
for election campaign be as follows:

For candidates. — Fifty pesos (P50.00) for President and Vice-
President; and for other candidates Twenty pesos (P20.00) for every voter
currently registered in the constituency where he filed his candidacy;
Provided, That a candidate without any political party and without support
from any political party may be allowed to spend Twenty-Five pesos
(P25.00) for every such voter; and

For political parties -. Twenty-Five pesos (P25.00) for every
voter currently registered in the constituency or constituencies where it
has official candidates.

Any provision of law to the contrary notwithstanding any
contribution in cash or in kind to any candidate or political party or
coalition of parties for campaign purposes, duly reported to the
Commission shall not be subject to the payment of any gift tax.”


SECTION 2. The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) shall issue the necessary rules
and regulations to implement this Act.

SECTION 3. Repealing Clause. - All other laws, acts, presidential decrees,
executive orders, issuances, presidential proclamations, rules and regulations or parts
thereof, which are contrary to and inconsistent with any provision of this Act, are
hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

SECTION 4. Separability Clause. - If any portion or provision of this Act is declared
unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or any provision not affected thereby shall
remain in force and effect.

SECTION 5. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days from its
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general
circulation.

Approved,