State Funding of Election Campaigns An Inquiry on the Effects of State Funding of Election Campaigns on the Philippine Electoral System

Abstract

The expensive elections in the Philippines construct a lopsided playing field that hinders financially challenged candidates from winning the elections. This uneven playing field, which depicts the inequality between rich and poor candidates in elections, has led to elite domination of the system. The increasing cost of election campaigns encourages candidates to resort to illegal means in order to secure sufficient funds. Their need for funds makes them very vulnerable to corruption and patronage. In the end, only two types under the same class dominate the Philippine political system politicians who belong to the upper class of the society and politicians in the lower or middle class of society but funded by rich and influential patrons. In order to solve the oligarchic politics in the Philippines, the government must promote participation from the underrepresented masses. Greater participation requires leveling of the election’s battlefield by giving the elite and the masses equal opportunities. Public funding of election campaigns can be the equalizer.

The expensive elections in the Philippines construct a lopsided playing field that hinders financially challenged candidates from winning the elections. This uneven playing field, which depicts the inequality between rich and poor candidates in elections, has led to elite domination of the system. The increasing cost of election campaigns encourages candidates to resort to illegal means in order to secure sufficient funds. Their need for funds makes them very vulnerable to corruption and patronage. In the end, only two types under the same class dominate the Philippine political system politicians who belong to the upper class of the society and politicians in the lower or middle class of society but funded by rich and influential patrons. In order to solve the oligarchic politics in the Philippines, the government must promote participation from the underrepresented masses. Greater participation requires leveling of the election’s battlefield by giving the elite and the masses equal opportunities. Public funding of election campaigns can be the equalizer.