MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said former special assistant to the president and incoming Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go emerged as the top spender during the 2019 midterm elections.
Based on the statement of contributions and expenditures (SOCE) submitted, Go was the biggest spender as he used P161.42-million out of the P162.03-million worth of cash and in-kind contributions.
Meanwhile, Sen. Cynthia Villar used P135.53-million of her personal funds for her bid without receiving any contributions. While Sen. Grace Poe spent P156.43-million of the P156.45-million cash contributions.
Sen. Nancy Binay used P56.78-million out of the P59.47-million cash contributions, while returning Sen. Pia Cayetano spent P73.71-million out of the P75.2-million of cash contributions.
According to Comelec spokesman James Jimenez, only 26 senatorial candidates submitted their respective SOCEs until the deadline of submission last Thursday.
Winning candidates can still file their SOCEs within 6 months from their proclamation but they cannot assume office until they submit the documents. Winning senators who file late SOCEs will be penalized with P10,000.
Filing the SOCE was one of the final requirements for the candidates whether they won or lost, the campaign was self-funded, no expenditures were incurred, the candidate did not pursue or continue the campaign, or the candidate withdrew his/her candidacy./PN
