Philippines
| Question | Value | 
|---|---|
1. Is there a ban on donations from foreign interests to political parties?  | 
                  
                                                                                         Code 
                                            
                                                                          Yes
                                               
                                                                                              Comment 
                          "It shall be unlawful for any foreigner, whether judicial or natural person, to aid any candidate or political party, directly or indirectly, or take part in or influence in any manner any election, or to contribute or make any expenditure in connection with any election campaign or partisan political activity" (Omnibus Election Code, Section 81). "No contribution for purposes of partisan political activity shall be made directly or indirectly by any of the following… (h) Foreigners and foreign corporations" (Section 95). Source 
                          Omnibus Election Code of the Philippines (revised 2013)  | 
                                  
2. Is there a ban on donations from foreign interests to candidates?  | 
                  
                                                                                         Code 
                                            
                                                                          Yes
                                               
                                                                                              Comment 
                          "It shall be unlawful for any foreigner, whether judicial or natural person, to aid any candidate or political party, directly or indirectly, or take part in or influence in any manner any election, or to contribute or make any expenditure in connection with any election campaign or partisan political activity" (Omnibus Election Code, Section 81). Source 
                          Omnibus Election Code of the Philippines (revised 2013).  | 
                                  
3. Is there a ban on corporate donations to political parties?  | 
                  
                                                                                         Code 
                                            
                                                                          No
                                               
                                                                                                                                                         | 
                                  
4. Is there a ban on corporate donations to candidates?  | 
                  
                                                                                         Code 
                                            
                                                                          No
                                               
                                                                                                                                                         | 
                                  
5. Is there a ban on donations from Trade Unions to political parties?  | 
                  
                                                                                         Code 
                                            
                                                                          No
                                               
                                                                                                                                                         | 
                                  
6. Is there a ban on donations from Trade Unions to candidates?  | 
                  
                                                                                         Code 
                                            
                                                                          No
                                               
                                                                                                                                                         | 
                                  
7. Is there a ban on anonymous donations to political parties?  | 
                  
                                                                                         Code 
                                            
                                                                          Yes
                                               
                                                                                              Comment 
                          "No person shall make any contribution in any name except his own nor shall any candidate or treasurer of a political party receive a contribution or enter or record the same in any name other than that of the person by whom it was actually made" (Omnibus Election Code, Section 98). Source 
                          Omnibus Election Code (revised 2013)  | 
                                  
8. Is there a ban on anonymous donations to candidates?  | 
                  
                                                                                         Code 
                                            
                                                                          Yes
                                               
                                                                                              Comment 
                          "No person shall make any contribution in any name except his own nor shall any candidate or treasurer of a political party receive a contribution or enter or record the same in any name other than that of the person by whom it was actually made" (Omnibus Election Code, Section 98). Source 
                          Omnibus Election Code (revised 2013)  | 
                                  
9. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with government contracts to political parties?   | 
                  
                                                                                         Code 
                                            
                                                                          Yes
                                               
                                                                                              Comment 
                          "Prohibited contributions. - No contribution for purposes of partisan political activity shall be made directly or indirectly by any of the following: … (c) Natural and juridical persons who hold contracts or sub-contracts to supply the government or any of its divisions, subdivisions or instrumentalities, with goods or services or to perform construction or other works; (d) Natural and juridical persons who have been granted franchises, incentives, exemptions, allocations or similar privileges or concessions by the government or any of its divisions, subdivisions or instrumentalities, including government-owned or controlled corporations; (e) Natural and juridical persons who, within one year prior to the date of the election, have been granted loans or other accommodations in excess of P100,000 by the government or any of its divisions, subdivisions or instrumentalities including government-owned or controlled corporations" (Section 95, Omnibus Election Code) Source 
                          Omnibus Election Code (revised 2013)  | 
                                  
10. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with government contracts to candidates?   | 
                  
                                                                                         Code 
                                            
                                                                          Yes
                                               
                                                                                              Comment 
                          "Prohibited contributions. - No contribution for purposes of partisan political activity shall be made directly or indirectly by any of the following: … (c) Natural and juridical persons who hold contracts or sub-contracts to supply the government or any of its divisions, subdivisions or instrumentalities, with goods or services or to perform construction or other works; (d) Natural and juridical persons who have been granted franchises, incentives, exemptions, allocations or similar privileges or concessions by the government or any of its divisions, subdivisions or instrumentalities, including government-owned or controlled corporations; (e) Natural and juridical persons who, within one year prior to the date of the election, have been granted loans or other accommodations in excess of P100,000 by the government or any of its divisions, subdivisions or instrumentalities including government-owned or controlled corporations" (Section 95, Omnibus Election Code) Source 
                          Omnibus Election Code (revised 2013)  | 
                                  
11. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with partial government ownership to political parties?   | 
                  
                                                                                         Code 
                                            
                                                                          No
                                               
                                                                                                                                                         | 
                                  
12. Is there a ban on donations from corporations with partial government ownership to candidates?  | 
                  
                                                                                         Code 
                                            
                                                                          No
                                               
                                                                                                                                                         | 
                                  
13. Is there a ban on the use of state resources in favour or against a political party or candidate?   | 
                  
                                                                                         Code 
                                            
                                                                          Yes 
                                               
                                                                                              Comment 
                          "Prohibited Acts. - The following shall be guilty of an election offense: …. (i) Intervention of public officers and employees. - Any officer or employee in the civil service, except those holding political offices; any officer, employee, or member or the Armed Forces of the Philippines, or any police force, special forces, home defense forces, barangay self-defense units and all other para-military units that now exist or which may hereafter be organized who, directly or indirectly, intervenes in any election campaign or engages in any partisan political activity, except to vote or to preserve public order, if he is a peace officer" (Section 261, Omnibus Election Code) Source 
                          Omnibus Election Code (revised 2013)  | 
                                  
14. Is there a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during a non-election specific period?    | 
                  
                                                                                         Code 
                                            
                                                                          No
                                               
                                                                                                                                                         | 
                                  
15. If there is a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during a non-election specific period, what is the limit?   | 
                  
                                                                                         Code 
                                            
                                                                          Not applicable
                                               
                                                                                                                                                         | 
                                  
16. Is there a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during an election?  | 
                  
                                                                                         Code 
                                            
                                                                          No
                                               
                                                                                                                                                         | 
                                  
17. If there is a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a political party during an election, what is the limit?   | 
                  
                                                                                         Code 
                                            
                                                                          Not applicable
                                               
                                                                                                                                                         | 
                                  
18. Is there a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a candidate?  | 
                  
                                                                                         Code 
                                            
                                                                          No
                                               
                                                                                                                                                         | 
                                  
19. If there is a limit on the amount a donor can contribute to a candidate, what is the limit?  | 
                  
                                                                                         Code 
                                            
                                                                          Not applicable
                                               
                                                                                                                                                         | 
                                  
20. Is there a limit on the amount a candidate can contribute to their own election campaign?  | 
                  
                                                                                         Code 
                                            
                                                                          No
                                               
                                                                                                                                                         | 
                                  
21. Is there a limit on in-kind donations to political parties?  | 
                  
                                                                                         Code 
                                            
                                                                          No
                                               
                                                                                                                                                         | 
                                  
22. Is there a limit on in-kind donations to candidates?  | 
                  
                                                                                         Code 
                                            
                                                                          No
                                               
                                                                                                                                                         | 
                                  
23. Is there a ban on political parties engaging in commercial activities?  | 
                  
                                                                                         Code 
                                            
                                                                          No
                                               
                                                                                                                                                         | 
                                  
24. Is there a ban on political parties taking loans in relation to election campaigns?  | 
                  
                                                                                         Code 
                                            
                                                                          No
                                               
                                                                                                                                                         | 
                                  
25. Is there a ban on candidates taking loans in relation to election campaigns?  | 
                  
                                                                                         Code 
                                            
                                                                          No
                                               
                                                                                                                                                         | 
                                  
26. Is there a ban on donors to political parties/candidates participating in public tender/procurement processes?   | 
                  
                                                                                         Code 
                                            
                                                                          No
                                               
                                                                                                                                                         | 
                                  
27. Are there provisions requiring donations to go through the banking system?  | 
                  
                                                                                         Code 
                                            
                                                                          No
                                               
                                                                                                                                                         | 
                                  
| Question | Value | 
|---|---|
28. Are there provisions for direct public funding to political parties?  | 
                  
                                                                                         Code 
                                            
                                                                          No public funding available
                                               
                                                                                                                                                         | 
                                  
29. What are the eligibility criteria for political parties to receive public funding?   | 
                  
                                                                                         Code 
                                            
                                                                          Not applicable
                                               
                                                                                                                                                         | 
                                  
30. What is the allocation calculation for political parties to receive public funding?   | 
                  
                                                                                         Code 
                                            
                                                                          Not applicable
                                               
                                                                                                                                                         | 
                                  
31. What are the provisions on 'ear marking' direct public funding to political parties (how it should be used)?   | 
                  
                                                                                         Code 
                                            
                                                                          Not applicable
                                               
                                                                                                                                                         | 
                                  
32. Are there provisions for free or subsidized access to media for political parties?  | 
                  
                                                                                         Code 
                                            
                                                                          No
                                               
                                                                                                                                                         | 
                                  
33. What criteria determine allocation for free or subsidized access to media for political parties?   | 
                  
                                                                                         Code 
                                            
                                                                          Not applicable
                                               
                                                                                                                                                         | 
                                  
34. Are there provisions for free or subsidized access to media for candidates?  | 
                  
                                                                                         Code 
                                            
                                                                          Yes
                                               
                                                                                              Comment 
                          All candidates gain access to newspaper space and television time. Source 
                          "The Commission shall procure space in at least one newspaper" (Omnibus Election Code, Section 90) Omnibus Election Code (revised 2013)  | 
                                  
35. Are there provisions for any other form of indirect public funding?  | 
                  
                                                                                         Code 
                                            
                                                                          Yes
                                               
                                                                                                                                                         | 
                                  
36. Is the provision of direct public funding to political parties tied to gender equality among candidates?  | 
                  
                                                                                         Code 
                                            
                                                                          Not applicable
                                               
                                                                                                                                                         | 
                                  
37. Are there provisions for other financial advantages to encourage gender equality in political parties?  | 
                  
                                                                                         Code 
                                            
                                                                          No
                                               
                                                                                                                                                         | 
                                  
| Question | Value | 
|---|---|
38. Is there a ban on vote buying?  | 
                  
                                                                                         Code 
                                            
                                                                          Yes
                                               
                                                                                              Comment 
                          "Prohibited Acts. - The following shall be guilty of an election offense: (a) Vote-buying and vote-selling" (Omnibus Election Code, Section 261) Source 
                          Omnibus Election Code (revised 2013)  | 
                                  
39. Are there limits on the amount a political party can spend?  | 
                  
                                                                                         Code 
                                            
                                                                          Yes
                                               
                                                                                              Comment 
                          "SEC. 13. Authorized Expenses of Candidates and Political Parties. — The aggregate amount that a candidate or registered political party may spend for election campaign shall be as follows: (b) For political parties — Five pesos (P5.00) for every voter currently registered in the constituency or constituencies where it has official candidates." (Republic Act No. 7166,1991) Source 
                          Republic Act No. 7166 (1991)  | 
                                  
40. If there are limits on the amount a political party can spend, what is the limit?  | 
                  
                                                                                         Code 
                                            
                                                                          Five pesos for every voter currently registered in the constituency or constituencies where the party has official candidates. 
                                               
                                                                                                                      Source 
                          Republic Act No. 7166 (1991), SEC. 13b  | 
                                  
41. Are there limits on the amount a candidate can spend?  | 
                  
                                                                                         Code 
                                            
                                                                          Yes
                                               
                                                                                              Comment 
                          "SEC. 13. Authorized Expenses of Candidates and Political Parties. — The aggregate amount that a candidate or registered political party may spend for election campaign shall be as follows: (a) For candidates — Ten pesos (P10.00) for President and Vice-President; and for other candidates, Three pesos (P3.00) for every voter currently registered in the constituency where he filed his certificate of candidacy: Provided, That, a candidate without any political party and without support from any political party may be allowed to spend Five pesos (P5.00) for every such voter; (...)." (Republic Act No. 7166, 1991) Source 
                          Republic Act No. 7166 (1991)  | 
                                  
42. If there are limits on the amount a candidate can spend, what is the limit?   | 
                  
                                                                                         Code 
                                            
                                                                          Ten pesos for every registered voter for President and Vice-President candidates; Three pesos for every registered voter in the constituency where the candidate filed a certificate of candidacy for other candidates with a political party; Five pesos for every registered voter in the constituency where the candidate filed a certificate of candidacy for other candidates without any political party and without support from any political party. 
                                               
                                                                                                                      Source 
                          Republic Act No. 7166 (1991), SEC. 13a  | 
                                  
43. Are there limits on the amount that third parties can spend on election campaign activities?   | 
                  
                                                                                         Code 
                                            
                                                                          No
                                               
                                                                                                                                                         | 
                                  
44. Are there limits on traditional media advertising spending in relation to election campaigns?  | 
                  
                                                                                         Code 
                                            
                                                                          No
                                               
                                                                                              Comment 
                          Only indirectly, through limits to ensure fairness in access to media during a campaign. Source 
                          Fair Election Act, Section 6  | 
                                  
45. Are there limits on online media advertising spending in relation to election campaigns?  | 
                  
                                                                                         Code 
                                            
                                                                          No
                                               
                                                                                                                                                         | 
                                  
46. Do any other restrictions on online media advertisement (beyond limits) exist?  | 
                  
                                                                                         Code 
                                            
                                                                          Yes
                                               
                                                                                              Comment 
                          "Regulation of election propaganda through mass media. – (a) The Commission shall promulgate rules and regulations regarding the sale of air time for partisan political purposes during the campaign period to insure that equal time as to duration and quality is available to all candidates for the same office or political parties at the same rates or given free of charge; that such rates are reasonable and not higher than those charged other buyers or users of air time for non-political purposes; that the provisions of this Code regarding the limitation of expenditures by candidates and political parties and contributions by private persons, entities and institutions are effectively enforced; and to ensure that said radio broadcasting and television stations shall not unduly allow the scheduling of any program or permit any sponsor to manifestly favor or oppose any candidate or political party by unduly or repeatedly referring to or including said candidate and/or political party in such program respecting, however, in all instances the right of said stations to broadcast accounts of significant or newsworthy events and views on matters of public interest. (b) All contracts for advertising in any newspaper, magazine, periodical or any form of publication promoting or opposing the candidacy of any person for public office shall, before its implementation, be registered by said newspaper, magazine, periodical or publication with the Commission. In every case, it shall be signed by the candidate concerned or by the duly authorized representative of the political party" (Section 86, Omnibus Election Code). Source 
                          Omnibus Election Code (revised 2013)  | 
                                  
| Question | Value | 
|---|---|
47. Do political parties have to report regularly on their finances?  | 
                  
                                                                                         Code 
                                            
                                                                          No
                                               
                                                                                              Comment 
                          Only in connection to elections. "Statement of contributions and expenditures. - Every candidate and treasurer of the political party shall, not later than seven days, or earlier than ten days before the day of the election, file in duplicate with the office indicated in the following section, full, true and itemized, statement of all contributions and expenditures in connection with the election" (Section 107, Omnibus Election Code). Source 
                          Omnibus Election Code (revised 2013)  | 
                                  
48. Do political parties have to report on their election campaign finances?   | 
                  
                                                                                         Code 
                                            
                                                                          Yes
                                               
                                                                                              Comment 
                          "Statement of contributions and expenditures. - Every candidate and treasurer of the political party shall, not later than seven days, or earlier than ten days before the day of the election, file in duplicate with the office indicated in the following section, full, true and itemized, statement of all contributions and expenditures in connection with the election" (Section 107, Omnibus Election Code) Source 
                          Omnibus Election Code (revised 2013)  | 
                                  
49. Do candidates have to report on their election campaign finances?  | 
                  
                                                                                         Code 
                                            
                                                                          Yes
                                               
                                                                                              Comment 
                          "Statement of contributions and expenditures. - Every candidate and treasurer of the political party shall, not later than seven days, or earlier than ten days before the day of the election, file in duplicate with the office indicated in the following section, full, true and itemized, statement of all contributions and expenditures in connection with the election." (Omnibus Election Code, Section 107). Source 
                          Omnibus Election Code (revised 2013)  | 
                                  
50. Do third parties have to report on election campaign finances?  | 
                  
                                                                                         Code 
                                            
                                                                          No
                                               
                                                                                                                                                         | 
                                  
51. Is information in reports from political parties and/or candidates to be made public?  | 
                  
                                                                                         Code 
                                            
                                                                          Sometimes
                                               
                                                                                              Comment 
                          "Preservation and inspection of statements. – All statements of contributions and expenditures shall be kept and preserved at the office where they are filed and shall constitute part of the public records thereof for three years after the election to which they pertain. They shall not be removed therefrom except upon order of the Commission or of a competent court and shall, during regular office hours, be subject and open to inspection by the public. The officer in-charge thereof, shall, on demand, furnish certified copies of any statement upon payment of the fee prescribed under Section 270 hereof" (Section 110, Omnibus Election Code) Source 
                          Omnibus Election Code (revised 2013)  | 
                                  
52. Must reports from political parties and/or candidates reveal the identity of donors?  | 
                  
                                                                                         Code 
                                            
                                                                          Yes
                                               
                                                                                              Comment 
                          "Records of contributions and expenditures. - (a) It shall be the duty of every candidate, treasurer of the political party and person acting under the authority of such candidate or treasurer to issue a receipt for every contribution received and to obtain and keep a receipt stating the particulars of every expenditure made. (b) Every candidate and treasurer of the party shall keep detailed, full, and accurate records of all contributions received and expenditures incurred by him and by those acting under his authority, setting forth therein all information required to be reported" (section 106, Omnibus Election Code). Source 
                          Omnibus Election Code (revised 2013)  | 
                                  
53. Must reports from political parties and/or candidates include information on itemized income?  | 
                  
                                                                                         Code 
                                            
                                                                          Yes
                                               
                                                                                              Comment 
                          "Form and contents of statement. – The statement shall be in writing, subscribed and sworn to by the candidate or by the treasurer of the party, shall be complete as of the date next preceding the date of filing and shall set forth in detail (a) the amount of contribution, the date of receipt, and the full name and exact address of the person from whom the contribution was received; (b) the amount of every expenditure, the date thereof, the full name and exact address of the person to whom payment was made, and the purpose of the expenditure; (c) any unpaid obligation, its nature and amount, and to whom said obligation is owing; and (d) such other particulars which the Commission may require. If the candidate or treasurer of the party has received no contribution, made no expenditure, or has no pending obligation, the statement shall reflect such fact" (section 109, Omnibus Election Code) Source 
                          Omnibus Election Code (revised 2013)  | 
                                  
54. Must reports from political parties and/or candidates include information on itemized spending?  | 
                  
                                                                                         Code 
                                            
                                                                          Yes
                                               
                                                                                              Comment 
                          "Form and contents of statement. – The statement shall be in writing, subscribed and sworn to by the candidate or by the treasurer of the party, shall be complete as of the date next preceding the date of filing and shall set forth in detail (a) the amount of contribution, the date of receipt, and the full name and exact address of the person from whom the contribution was received; (b) the amount of every expenditure, the date thereof, the full name and exact address of the person to whom payment was made, and the purpose of the expenditure; (c) any unpaid obligation, its nature and amount, and to whom said obligation is owing; and (d) such other particulars which the Commission may require. If the candidate or treasurer of the party has received no contribution, made no expenditure, or has no pending obligation, the statement shall reflect such fact" (Section 109, Omnibus Election Code) Source 
                          Omnibus Election Code (revised 2013)  | 
                                  
55. Which institution(s) receives financial reports from political parties and/or candidates?  | 
                  
                                                                                         Code 
                                            
                                                                          EMB
                                               
                                                                                              Comment 
                          "Records of contributions and expenditures. - .... their production for inspection by the Commission or its duly authorized representative" (Section 106, Omnibus Election Code) Source 
                          Omnibus Election Code (revised 2013)  | 
                                  
56. Which institution(s) is responsible for examining financial reports and/or investigating violations?   | 
                  
                                                                                         Code 
                                            
                                                                          EMB
                                               
                                                                                              Comment 
                          "Records of contributions and expenditures. - .... their production for inspection by the Commission or its duly authorized representative" (Section 106, Omnibus Election Code) Source 
                          Omnibus Election Code (revised 2013)  | 
                                  
57. What power is granted to the institution(s) responsible for examining reports and/or investigating violations?   | 
                  
                                                                                         Code 
                                            
                                                                          Carry out investigation
Request additional information from potential violator
Impose sanctions
                                               
                                                                                              Comment 
                          "Authority of the Commission to Prosecute Election Offenses. - The Commission shall have the exclusive power to conduct preliminary investigation of all election offenses punishable under the election laws and to prosecute the same, except as may otherwise be provided by law" (Rule 34, Section 1) Source 
                          COMELEC RULES OF PROCEDURE (1993)  | 
                                  
58. What sanctions are provided for political finance infractions?  | 
                  
                                                                                         Code 
                                            
 Comment 
                          "Penalties. - Any person found guilty of any election offense under this Code shall be punished with imprisonment of not less than one year but not more than six years and shall not be subject to probation. In addition, the guilty party shall be sentenced to suffer disqualification to hold public office and deprivation of the right of suffrage. If he is a foreigner, he shall be sentenced to deportation which shall be enforced after the prison term has been served. Any political party found guilty shall be sentenced to pay a fine of not less than ten thousand pesos, which shall be imposed upon such party after criminal action has been instituted in which their corresponding officials have been found guilty" (Section 264, Omnibus Election Code) Source 
                          Omnibus Election Code (revised 2013)  |