Manila: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairperson George Garcia has announced that entire political parties could be disqualified if they are found to have received foreign funding. This statement comes as the poll body intensifies its scrutiny of campaign finance violations in the lead-up to the May midterm elections.

According to Philippines News Agency, Garcia highlighted the legal obligation to disqualify parties with proven foreign-funded campaigns. “If it’s an entire party, we can disqualify the entire party, especially since there is proof that the campaign of that party itself was actually foreign funded. We have no choice. We have to apply and implement the law. That’s what our law says,” Garcia stated during an ambush interview at the Senate.

Garcia urged candidates to verify the citizenship status of donors, particularly those from abroad, to avoid foreign donation pitfalls. He explained that donations from individuals who are no longer Filipino citizens, even if they were once, are considered foreign donations, which could lead to disqualification.

He further clarified the scope of Comelec’s jurisdiction, noting that while it ends once a candidate is proclaimed, takes the oath, and assumes office by June 30, action is still possible if a case is filed before proclamation. Garcia expressed hope that any necessary cases are pursued before proclamation, allowing Comelec to suspend proclamations or remove officials if needed.

Violators of these regulations face severe consequences, including disqualification and potential criminal prosecution, with penalties ranging from one to six years of imprisonment. Garcia defended Comelec against critiques of acting as both prosecutor and judge, asserting that this dual role is part of its legal mandate.

He concluded by advising candidates to adhere to the rules to avoid legal issues. Currently, Comelec is investigating nearly 400 potential election law violations, many related to vote buying.