THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) is investigating possible violations of election laws involving campaign donations made by government contractors to 2022 presidential and vice-presidential candidates, Chairman George Erwin Garcia confirmed on Tuesday, October 7.
Garcia said the probe is part of Comelec’s ongoing investigation into 55 contractors who reportedly contributed funds to candidates during the May 2022 polls.
“We’re trying to confirm whether there was really a contract before, during, or immediately after the filing of candidacy, even if the candidate had already won,” Garcia said. “We first need to prove that they are indeed public works contractors. If they’re private, then there’s nothing more to discuss.”
Under Section 95(c) of the Omnibus Election Code, individuals or entities holding government supply or construction contracts are prohibited from making direct or indirect political donations.
A report by the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) earlier revealed that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte, both 2022 candidates, were among those who received millions in campaign donations from construction firms.
Marcos was said to have received ₱20 million from Rudhil Construction & Enterprises Inc. and ₱1 million from Quirante Construction Corporation, while Duterte reportedly got contributions from Genesis88 Construction Inc., and had ₱19.9 million worth of ads paid for by Esdevco Realty Corporation.
Garcia said the Comelec is coordinating with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to verify if these companies were government contractors at the time.
He noted discrepancies between the names of contractors in the PCIJ report and Comelec’s own records.
Once verified, Garcia said the Comelec will release the list of contractors found to have violated election rules.
He added that the poll body may also examine whether there is a legal distinction between donations made by individuals in their personal capacity and those made through their companies.