Erap spent P235 million for campaign

MANILA, Philippines - In his failed attempt to return to Malacañang, former President Joseph Estrada spent P235 million, including P20 million from his own pocket for his campaign.

In his Statement of Election Contribution and Expenditures submitted to the Commission on Elections (Comelec), Estrada reported receiving P227.5 million in donations, mostly from top businessmen.

Topping the list of contributors were International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) head Ricky Razon and Estrada’s high school classmate and Kanlaon Constructions boss Antonio Evangelista, who gave P15 million each.

Megaworld top honcho Andrew Tan gave P12 million while Smart Communications-Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT) and TV-5 president Manny Pangilinan gave P10 million.

Estrada also received P10 million each from mall chain SM Shoemart of Henry Sy and pharmaceutical giant United Laboratories, and P4 million from Ortigas Co. Ltd.

Other contributors were Jaime Dy (P15 million); Jack Ng (P10 million); Eric Lim (P10 million); Eric King (P10 million); William Gatchalian (P10 million); Henry Tan (P10 million); Eric Tagle (P10 million); and Jose Yap (P12 million).

Much of Estrada’s campaign funds went to radio and television advertisements, which cost him P112.5 million.

Estrada also spent P49.5 million for printing and distribution of campaign materials, P41.25 million in travel expenses, P27.75 million for volunteers’ compensation, and P4.5 million in telephone and postal expenses.

All the national and local candidates in the last May 10 elections are required by law to submit their statements of expenses and contributions by today.