CLOSE to P1 million was spent by incoming Cebu fifth district congressman Vincent Franco “Duke” Frasco to finance his campaign for the May 13, 3019 elections.
Frasco became the first poll candidate to file his Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (Soce) when he submitted his report last Thursday, May 30, to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) Cebu provincial office. In his statement, he declared total expenditures of P999,702.96.
The biggest chunk of his expenditures was for the compensation of some 31 campaigners at P264,500. The campaigners were composed of backdrop and flyer personnel, electricians, staff and drivers, who served a maximum of 45 days with a daily rate ranging from P200 to P300.
The second biggest slice of the pie was for media promotions at P247,042.44. This includes newspaper publications, radio and television broadcast advertisements, and internet ad placements. Frasco declared total Facebook billings for five transactions from March 31 to May 10, worth P139,631.84 for his campaign on social media through his page, “Duke Frasco Liloan.”
He also spent P180,000 for the printing and distribution of campaign materials, and some P120,000 for the employment of five lawyers and nine paralegals.
Around P80,000 was also spent to pay some 80 poll watchers with an honorarium of P1,000 each, while Frasco’s political rallies and meetings cost him P50,000.
Frasco also declared expenditures worth P40,000 for the printing of sample ballots, some P12,370.02 for travel expenses during the campaign, and P5,790.50 for telecommunication fees and courier charges.
Comelec rules require election bets, whether winner or loser, to submit their Soce by June 12, or 30 days after the May 13 elections. No elected official may assume office without filing the Soce. (RTF)