Foreigners warned: Don’t meddle in Philippine polls

Immigration Commissioner Ricardo David Jr.

MANILA, Philippines–Foreigners are not barred from meddling  in the country’s forthcoming elections or they will be deported, the Bureau of Immigration warned Wednesday.

Immigration Commissioner Ricardo David Jr. issued the advisory after the Commission on Elections (Comelec) released Resolution 9615, which prohibits foreigners from taking part in the midterm polls.

The resolution spells out the implementing rules and regulations of the Fair Election Act or Republic Act 9006. The law, passed by Congress in 2001, seeks the holding of free, orderly, honest, peaceful, and credible elections through fair election practices.

The Comelec resolution states that “it is unlawful for any foreigner, whether juridical or natural person, to aid any candidate, or political party, organization or coalition, directly or indirectly, or to take part in, or influence in any manner, any election, or to contribute or make any expenditure in connection with any election campaign or partisan political activity.”

David said the immigration bureau will investigate complaints against foreigners engaging in partisan political activitiy or making campaign donations to candidates.

The prohibition aims to prevent candidates from enjoying undue advantage over their opponents due to the financial aid obtained from foreigners, he said.