A day after exhorting candidates to campaign with dignity, Malacañang issued a reminder against extravagant campaign spending.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said candidates should be spending only what is allowed by law.

“There are laws on election expenses,” Ermita said.

“Huwag nating pabayaan magkaroon ng extravagant election spending in this campaign… It’s not healthy for the moral fiber of our people,” he added.

One presidential candidate, Nacionalista Party bet Sen. Manuel Villar has been accused of spending a lot for his campaign advertisements.

The camp of Sen. Benigno Aquino III, Liberal Party presidential bet, claimed that Villar spent 10 times more than what they have spent.

The official campaign period for candidates running for national positions kicked off on Tuesday with grand proclamation rallies. At least eight candidates each are vying for the position of president and vice president.

Ermita said candidates should refrain from flaunting their wealth when they talk about caring for the poor.

“This is counterproductive and it is not healthy for the economy,” he said.