Raul Jr. tops the list of elected official with highest election expenses
If the declarations made by politicians before the City Commission on Elections (City Comelec) reflect their true election expenses, reports on massive vote-buying could not have happened as the highest election expenses recorded was only P470,556. Said amount was incurred by re-elected congressman Raul Gonzalez Jr.
The candidates, winners or losers, are mandated by law to submit their respective election expenses until June 29, 2007.
On the other hand, Gonzalez's opponent former Mayor Mansueto Malabor spent P300,000 based on the records. Of the P300,000, P130,000 came from his personal pocket and P170,000 were contributions given to him during the election. Another congressional bet, former city councilor Benjie Gengos has yet to file his election expenses.
For the mayoral candidates, re-elected Mayor Jerry Treñas only spent P239,596. While, former councilor Joshua Alim spent P95,000. Candidate Juanito Gaje has yet to file his election expenses.
Meanwhile, Vice Mayor-elect Jed Mabilog declared his election expenses to only P411,444.60. Of the P411,444.60, P197,684.60 were his listed as his personal expenses while the remaining P231,670 were contributions. The names of the contributors of the politicians were not contained in the Comelec expenses report.
Defeated vice mayoral candidate Winstone Porras spent P100,000. Of the declared expenses, P50,000 were listed as his personal expenses and the remaining P50,000 were contributions.
For the elected councilors, again Lyndon Acap and Eldrid Antiquiera topped the list of highest spenders
Both Acap and Antiquiera spent P300,000 for their political machineries. Both were personal expenses and no contributions were made to them. Antiquiera is a known protege of Department of Secretary Raul Gonzalez Sr. The secretary has long been campaigning for Antiquiera to get elected.
Neophyte Nielex Tupas, who was reported to be one of the candidates who spent much during the election, only reported an expenses of P217,000. It was alleged that Tupas spent some P7 million just to win in the recent election.
Moreover, Tupas's expenses is higher compared with that of Councilor Jeffrey Ganzon. Ganzon spent P218,343. Of the declared expenses, P64,290 are his personal expenses and P154,053 were contributions.
Councilor Eduardo Peñaredondo spent P190,850, all personal money. While, Councilor Julienne Baronda spent P189,527.17. Baronda's expenses were itemized as P128,527.17 personal expenses and P61,000 contributions.
Baronda's expenses is much higher compared with Councilor Jose Espinosa III with only P120,000. Number one Councilor Erwin Plagata incurred expenses of P160,480.21, all are his personal expenses. Councilor Perla Zulueta declared a P110,000 election expenses, all are her personal funds.
The three councilors with lesser election expenses are: Councilors Armand Parcon with P75,000; Ely Estante 45,975 and Antonio Pesina with P90,000.