EDITORIAL - Election freebies

The administration and opposition camps are swapping accusations of buying votes, saying their candidates are distributing to voters giveaways deemed to cost much more than what is allowed under election laws.

Since laws on election spending are murky, it can be complicated to determine whose accusation is valid. Are candidates allowed to give away low-end cell phones? When do food items become too expensive to give away? If there’s a campaign rally where participants need to eat, what’s the limit for spending per person?

The Commission on Elections previously said lechon or roast pig and even large platters of noodles could violate spending limits. In the absence of clear-cut rules, certain parties and candidates may prefer to refrain from giving away anything to voters in their campaign sorties.

The distribution of giveaways obviously gives incumbent elective officials and wealthy candidates an edge over lesser known and underfunded rivals. Providing a level playing field for all candidates may be a pipe dream, but the Comelec should not stop trying, especially since there are supposed to be rules, although limited, regulating campaign spending.

While the Comelec struggles to carry out its mandate, major parties and leading candidates may want to set the example. Candidates who are running unopposed or with only token opposition can also lead the way. Refraining from distributing freebies during campaigns will spare candidates and political parties from accusations of vote-buying. It will save them a lot of money, and they can lead the way in promoting fair elections.