ILOILO – “Ako ang highest spender? Really? Ha?”
News that he spent the most in the recent elections among the candidates in Iloilo province and city stumped reelected Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr.
In his Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE) submitted to the Commission on Elections (Comelec), Defensor stated he spent P1,203,165.95 for his campaign.
None of the SOCEs of other candidates for various elective posts in the province and city came close to Defensor’s campaign spending disclosure.
“Nakibot ako pero ti sige ah,” said Defensor, unable to hide his surprise.
Defensor’s defeated rival, Norberto Gil, stated in his SOCE he spent P325,000.
Defensor got 891,980 votes. Gil had 25,919 votes.
The governor said he thought he spent less because did not have a strong opponent in this year’s elections unlike in the 2019 polls when he faced a stronger rival in 4th District’s Cong. Ferjenel Biron.
“Waay ako magastohan sa tarpaulins because waay ako sang significant nga kontra,” said Defensor.
The governor said the bulk of his campaign spending went to the “fundamentals” such as the salaries of people who worked for his campaign such as those setting up his posters, among others.
He did not have lots of tarpaulins of his own, he said, because other candidates included him in their tarpaulins anyway.
Defensor also said the money he spent was his personal funds.
Meanwhile, reelected Vice Gov. Christine Garin spent P702,434.75 for her campaign, her SOCE indicated. She ran unopposed and got 725,282 votes.
As for Iloilo congressmen, here’s their spending:
* 1st District Cong. Janette Garin – P576,566.50
* 2nd District Cong. Michael Gorriceta – P365,102
* 3rd District Cong. Lorenz Defensor – P94,192
* 4th District Cong. Ferjenel Biron – P615,680
* 5th District Cong. Raul Tupas – P562,500
According to Comelec-Iloilo provincial election supervisor Atty. Ian Lee Ananoria, of the 27 candidates in the provincial level (for governor, vice governor, provincial board members and congressman), 26 submitted SOCEs.
The one who didn’t was Eduardo Artazona, 76, of Barangay Zone 10, Cabatuan, Iloilo. He ran for congressman in the 3rd District.
Under election rules, a candidate who fails to file a SOCE thrice would be perpetually disqualified from running in elections.
Here are the campaigning spendings of the other poll winners in the province (Sangguniang Panlalawigan member):
1st District
* Valentine Serag – P69,755
* Carmelo Nochete – P33,961
2nd District
* June Mondejar – P227,560
* Rolito Cajilig – P58,222
3rd District
* Matt Palabrica – P461,322
* Jason Gonzales – P91,200
4th District
* Domingo Oso Jr. – P76,050
* Rolly Distura – P32,658
5th District
* Binky Tupas – P328,600
* Carol V. Espinosa-Diaz – P168,500/PN
