I AGREE with Senator Panfilo Lacson that campaigning for the presidency is costly. (Inquirer, 6/6/09)

Whether the candidate is independent or party-supported, the expenses incurred in running not only for the presidency but for all elective positions as well ? from barangay (village) to national offices ? go beyond the limits required by law.

Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has evaded past impeachment complaints that could have provided an example of how costly presidential campaigns are. The Mayuga report, which the Armed Forces of the Philippines has archived, could be subpoenaed by court action if only to reveal the AFP?s participation in making Arroyo?s campaign enormously costly.

The trouble is that the Commission on Elections, the very institution that should guard and preserve the integrity, credibility and honesty of our electoral system, has not been transparent about campaign expenditures of candidates in past elections, whether such expenditures have been reported, as required by law, or not. And especially for those running for reelection, there is great suspicion that people?s money are being used to keep them in position.
?MAJ. GEN. FORTUNATO U. ABAT, (Ret.),
fortunatouabat@yahoo.com