EP 38: How much do PH candidates really spend for election campaigns?

How much does it cost to run an election campaign here in the Philippines? To be more specific, how much would you need if you want to run, say, for president or senator in next year’s elections? On record, there are limits set by law as to how much a candidate is allowed to spend per registered voter. But in reality, the expenses shoot up well beyond what is legal which means gunning for public office in this country is still a rich man’s game. For even there are less-moneyed candidates who get to win - they’re still few and far between - an exception to the rule compared with the big names from political clans and the ruling elite.  In this episode, Christian Esguerra sat down with Luie Tito Guia, Former COMELEC Commissioner and Co-Founder, Democratic Insights Group, Political Strategist Lito Banayo and Atty. Abigail Valte, COO, DDI strategic communications to better understand how election campaigns go especially during the pandemic where social media is expected to play an even bigger role for candidates.