INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Communist rebels are cashing on the 2013 elections by imposing “permit to campaign” fees of up to P5 million on political candidates, the Philippine Army said Friday.
In Eastern Visayas, Captain Gene Orense of the Army’s 8th Infantry Division said the military has seized documents revealing plans of the New People’s Army to “intensify” the implementation of “permit to campaign/permit to win” in areas controlled by the rebels.
Following are the fees supposedly being asked by the NPA:
- Congressman: P500,000
- Governor: P5,000,000
- Vice Governor: P500,000
- Board Member: P100,000
- Mayor: P100,000
- Vice Mayor: P75,000
- Councillor: P50,000
Aside from the campaign fees, the communist rebels were also “extorting” high-powered firearms or P180,000 in cash per candidate.
“We are making an appeal to all local candidates for the May 2013 elections to refuse any offer of PTC/PTW fees by the NPAs, but instead let us work together through the spirit of ‘Bayanihan’ in ensuring a secured and fair election,” Orense said.