Bill mandating taxpayers to fund political parties criticized

MANILA, Philippines - A bill aimed at financing the activities of political parties came under fire Thursday from a congressman who warned that it would be an additional burden to the already overtaxed Filipinos. The criticism was aired by Bayan Muna Rep. Teddy Casiño even as he noted that there was an railroading of House Bill 3655 - An Act Strengthening the Political Party System, Appropriating Funds Therefore and for Other Purposes - near the closing of Wednesday night's session at the House of Representatives. “The bill is not about the so-called political reform being mouthed by certain sections of the House leadership and Malacañang. The bill, as specified in Chapter III, establishes a ‘state subsidy fund’ which will actually mandate taxpayers to shoulder the expenses and operations of ‘accredited’ political parties,"Casiño said. "This is not reforming the sad state of Philippine politics. It is adding another burden to ordinary taxpayers," Casiño said. HB 3655 breezed through third reading Wednesday night despite a previous agreement between the Minority and Majority that it would not be taken up. Of the six who voted no to the measure, four representatives were from the House militant bloc: Bayan Muna Reps. Casiño and Satur Ocampo, Anakpawis Rep. Rafael Mariano and Gabriela Rep. Luzviminda Ilagan. The others who manifested their no votes were Rizal Rep. Michael John Duavit and Sorsogon Rep. Jose Solis. Albay Rep. Al Francis Bichara abstained. The proposed measure stipulates that funds will be distributed to national political parties based on their seats in the House of Representatives (50%) and the Senate (45%). The remaining 5% is given to the Commission on Elections for monitoring, information dissemination, and voter education. Among the items to be funded by taxpayers’ money are the travel expenses of candidates during the campaign period, salaries of staff, expenses for the maintenance of party headquarters and even campaign flyers and other propaganda materials. “If this bill is passed into law, the operations, development and other expenses of political parties like Lakas and Kampi will be funded by taxpayers money. This will be another avenue into the national treasury that will be riddled by graft and corruption," Casiño said. “I think some of our colleagues will push for the reconsideration of the said bill next week," Casiño said. - GMANews.TV