GMA looks into gripes of TU bets over campaign funds

PUERTO PRINCESA, Palawan – President Arroyo is seeking an investigation into the distribution of the campaign funds for Team Unity, senatorial candidate Sultan Jamalul Kiram disclosed yesterday.

Kiram said he learned of the presidential order after he complained of the lack of funding promised to him by Team Unity.

Kiram claimed he only received P1 million in funds so far and the P2 million which had been promised to him had failed to arrive.

"She (Mrs. Arroyo) called me recently while I was in Cagayan de Oro City and she said she would not allow these things to happen," Kiram told The STAR.

"The President said she would look into the matter and ask for an investigation," he added.

Kiram said his daughter personally went to Malacañang to discuss their campaign problems. "My daughter was even crying," he said.

The Muslim leader complained he was getting embarrassed by his lack of mobility and discretion due to financial constraints.

During the past weeks, Kiram said he was forced to skip some of the campaign sorties and stayed home because he had no more money for transportation and other expenses.

He also pointed out the lack of campaign posters and volunteers.

A visibly disappointed Kiram said it was an unfortunate time for him to unable to raise funds now that the campaign is already entering the final stretch.

Noting Kiram’s difficulties, other Team Unity candidates like Surigao del Sur Rep. Prospero Pichay helped out by printing some of his posters.

Ilocos Sur Rep. Luis "Chavit" Singson, for his part, often brings Kiram along in his private campaign sorties.

Kiram expressed hope Team Unity would give him more support especially now that the campaign would focus in Mindanao.

Team Unity officials said there is no specific amount promised to each of the candidates, pointing out that the money would entirely depend on the financial support coming from donors and the respective political parties of the candidates to be complemented by their personal funds.

Team Unity spokesman Ace Durano said there had been a "mismatch" of expectations on the part of some candidates asked to run under the administration coalition.

Aside from Kiram, actor Cesar Montano also complained of lack of funds for his candidacy but later said the problem has been partially solved by contributions from well-meaning supporters.

Actress Sunshine Cruz said she and her husband had been inspired by the favorable survey results despite their lack of resources for the campaign.