The cost of democracy: Fundraising for 2022 polls ain’t illegal, says Palace

By Prince Golez

Malacañang on Monday defended President Rodrigo Duterte’s remark that he would bring “sacks of cash” when he campaigns for his PDP-Laban party mates in 2022.

The Omnibus Election Code does not prohibit raising of funds from private individuals to help run the political campaign of candidates, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said during a televised briefing.

“He knows it’s illegal to use public funds for partisan purposes. But there is no prohibition in the Omnibus Election Code to raise funds from private individuals for the candidacies of individuals. That’s what the President meant,” said Roque.

“It is an assurance to his party mates that not only will he physically campaign for them, he will also raise funds for them. That’s not prohibited by the Constitution or the Omnibus Election Code. Unfortunately, democracy can be very expensive,” he added.

The Palace official also stressed that only the “very rich” can run for elective posts if soliciting funds for election purposes will be declared illegal.

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Source: Latest Politics News Today (Politics.com.ph)