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Republic of the Philippines are 2 2 AUG 2016
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‘SEVENTEENTH CONGRE: “ — pi

First Regular Session REGIS)

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IBILLS AND INDEX SEavicg

HOUSE BILL NO. 324

Introduced by Representative MARLYN L. PRIMICIAS-AGABAS

AN ACT
INCREASING THE AUTHORIZED EXPENSES OF CANDIDATES AND POLITICAL
PARTIES DURING CAMPAIGN PERIOD, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7166, AS AMENDED

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Under the existing election laws, the allowable amount that may be spent by a
candidate for the position of President and Vice President is Ten pesos (Php10.00),
while political parties are allowed to spend the amount of Five (Php 5.00) for every
voter currently registered in the constituency. It may be highlighted that the law
providing for the foregoing amounts, Republic Act No. 7166 otherwise known as “An
Act Providing For Synchronized National And Local Elections And For Electoral
Reforms, Authorizing Appropriations Therefor, And For Other Purposes" was
enacted in 1991, or twenty five (25) years ago. Following the length of time, prices of
commodities in the past twenty five years is no longer prevailing at this time. The
prices of goods have increased resulting to the weakening of the value of the
Philippine peso, With the conduct of elections every three (3) years for local
positions and six (6) years for national and general elections, the amount provided
by the law in 1991 no longer hold true and cannot be made possible to cover election
expenditure by a candidate resulting in the untruthful declaration of election
expenses.

It is at this point that this proposal is being advanced. It is aimed at providing
for a realistic amount that a candidate and his political party may spend during
election and be updated to the current market prices of goods and commodities. The
amendments will give the candidates ample opportunity to reach out to their
constituents and at the same be truthful at their expenses.

Foregoing considered, the approval of this proposal is earnestly sought.

(pt /


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bit No. 3249

Introduced by Representative MARLYN L. PRIMICIAS-AGABAS,

AN ACT
INCREASING THE AUTHORIZED EXPENSES OF CANDIDATES AND.
POLITICALMPARTIES DURING CAMPAIGN PERIOD, AMENDING FOR THE
PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7166, AS AMENDED

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
Agreement amount that a candidate or registered political party may
spend for election campaign shall be as follows:

{a) For all candidates.- THIRTY PESOS (P30.00) [Ten
pesos (P10.000] for President and Vice President; and
for other candidates TWENTY [Three] Pesos [(P3.00)]
(P20.00) for every voter currently registered in the
constituency where he filed his certificate of
candidacy: Provided, That a candidate without any
political party may be allowed to spend TWENTY Five
Pesos {(P5.00)] (P25.00) for every such voter; and

(0) For political parties. TWENTY Five pesos [(5.00)]
(P25.00) for every voter currently registered in the
constituency or constituents 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.

THE COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS SHALL ADJUST THE
AUTHORIZED AMOUNT BASED ON THE CONSUMER PRICE
INDEX (CPI) EVERY FIVE (5) YEARS FOLLOWING THE
EFFECTIVITY OF THIS ACT.

SEC. 2. Separability Clause. — If any provision, section or part of this Act
shall be declared unconstitutional or invalid, such judgment shall not affect,

invalidate or impair any other provisions, sections or parts hereof.
SEC. 3. Repealing Clause. ~ All laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations
which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified

accordingly.

SEC. 4. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation

Approved,