BIR, DOJ, Comelec checking campaign money reports

MANILA, Philippines - Election season usually means a lot of spending.

Sometimes they come from one's own pockets, sometimes from campaign donors.

One month after the midterm polls, candidates both winning and losing, are required to submit a full, true and itemized accounting of the money they received and the ones they spent.

This is meant to make sure they complied with election spending rules.

This year, the government steps up its efforts and tightens monitoring of campaign-finance violations.

In fact, winning candidates won't be allowed to take their oaths if they don't file complete and accurate campaign finance reports.

The Comelec, Justice Department, and the Bureau of Internal Revenue are also teaming up to cross check data submitted by candidates, contractors, media firms, and donors. - ANC