Section 39Sec./Art. 39

Prohibited Collection of Funds. - It shall be unlawful for any person to hold balls, lotteries, beauty contests, entertainments or cinematographic, or theatrical, or other performances during one hundred fifty days immediately preceding a regular or special election, for the purpose of raising funds for benefit purposes of for an election campaign or for the support of any candidate; and no person or organization, whether civic or religious, shall directly or indirectly solicit and/or accept from any candidate for public office, or from his campaign manager, agent or representative, any gift, food, transportation, contribution or donation in cash or in kind during the aforementioned period: Provided, That normal and customary religious dues and/or contributions, such as religious stipends, tithes, or collections on Sundays and/or other designated collection days, are excluded from this prohibition: Provided, further, That in case of disasters or extraordinary religious events, the Commission may, after due notice and hearing, authorize the holding of benefits for the purpose of raising funds or permit contributions or donations otherwise hereinabove prohibited.