Foreigners warned not to meddle in elections

MANILA, Philippines - Foreigners were warned yesterday against interfering in the campaign for local and national posts in the May elections.

In a statement, Immigration Commissioner Ricardo David Jr. said they will investigate complaints against foreigners extending support to a particular candidate.

Support can be in the form of engaging in partisan political activity and making campaign donations to candidates, he added.

The prohibition aims to prevent candidates from enjoying undue advantage due to financial support they get from foreigners, David said.

Lawyer Ma. Antonette Mangrobang, Bureau of Immigration spokesperson, said under the Fair Election Act, any person found guilty of an election offense may be imprisoned for not less than one year but not more than six years and shall not be subject to probation.

“If he is a foreigner, he shall be punished with deportation, but that penalty shall be enforced after he has served his prison sentence,” she said.

Commission on Elections Resolution No. 9615 issued last Jan. 15 covers the implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act 9006, the Fair Election Law.