Oust overspending senators, too
In connection with the recent disqualification of Gov. ER Ejercito of Laguna for overspending, after the Commission on Elections found that the amount he paid for political propaganda on television exceeded the limit set by law for campaign expenses, may I ask:
1. That the Comelec make an immediate public disclosure of the contracts entered into by the senatorial candidates with the various TV networks for political airtime used by them in the 2013 elections.
2. That the Comelec take immediate steps to investigate, prosecute and disqualify those senators elected in the 2013 elections, whose TV contracts prove that they exceeded the legal limit on campaign expenditures.
Considering that television companies usually charge for political announcements many times over what they charge for commercials, and considering further the numerous spots aired for the senatorial candidates, there is reason for the public to believe that some, if not all of them, may be guilty of overspending and therefore should be dealt with accordingly.
We hope that this request will merit Comelec Chair Sixto Brillantes’ prompt and favorable action in the interest of upholding the credibility of the Comelec and the sanctity of the electoral process.
—REUBEN R. CANOY,
Cagayan de Oro City
