I am in FAVOR of the bill. Political parties play a vital role in our country's quest for economic and political development. However, the political situation in the Philippines, as well as its political institutions, makes Philippine political parties more of a detriment rather than a boost to the country's development. I guess people have misunderstood the whole concept of the Bill. Other provisions on the said bill were not given light. This bill also include penalties on political turncoats a.ka. "balimbing". One major factor that makes our political parties weak is the dependence of political parties on personalities rather than on issues and political platforms. Traditional politicians only use Political Parties as financial vehicles to win elections. There is absence of party loyalty as well as adherence to the party's ideological principles, platforms, and programs.
Second, the bill specifies one important part in campaign financing - audit and reporting. All books and accounts will be monitored and audited by the commission on audit. Transparency and accountability are necessary ingredients of a truly democratic country. Compared to the status quo, we are not aware where the funds of these candidates come from.
Moreover, with regard the state subsidy, let's realize that as much as the state could invest on economic institutions, the state has also the responsibility to develop political institutions. Not all political parties are entitled to the subsidy, by the way, only those who will meet the criteria would be given subsidy. Kindly read the entirety of the bill first.
Kristina