The Commission on Elections (Comelec) yesterday revealed that it will investigate four campaign contributors, all of whom are contractors in the public works sector, for reportedly donating millions of pesos to at least four national candidates during the 2022 elections in violation of the country’s election code.
Poll body chairman George Garcia said that the ongoing review involves at least four senators and a local candidate from Bulacan, but he refrained from disclosing their names.
The Comelec chief said that contractors involved in government projects are strictly prohibited from making financial contributions to political candidates.
Due to the reports, Garcia has directed the Political Finance and Affairs Department (PFAD) to launch a thorough investigation into the Statements of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCEs) submitted by candidates during the 2022 elections.
He explained that the inquiry is designed to carefully analyze the financial disclosures of these candidates, particularly aiming to identify any companies that held government contracts and may have contributed to their campaign financing.
“By examining these financial records closely, the PFAD intends to reveal any potential irregularities or conflicts of interest that could compromise the integrity of the electoral process, thereby promoting transparency and accountability in political financing,” Garcia told reporters in a Viber message.
This development arises amidst increased scrutiny of government contractors linked to alleged misconduct in flood control initiatives.
Garcia said that the Comelec’s self-initiated investigation will encompass all candidates, not solely those in the spotlight, with findings expected to be released within two to three weeks.
“We initially initiated three to four contractors that might have government contracts and who contributed to the campaigns of national candidates. While some of these individuals were indeed running for Senate positions, it remains to be confirmed whether these firms have any actual connections to the government,” he added.
The poll chief cited Section 95 (c) of the Omnibus Election Code (OEC), saying it is explicitly prohibited for both natural and juridical persons holding contracts or subcontracts to supply goods or services to the government, or to engage in construction and other works, to make campaign contributions.
Violators of election laws may be subject to charges related to election offenses, which can result in imprisonment ranging from one to six years,” he said.
Earlier, Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero acknowledged that Lawrence Lubiano, the president of Centerways Construction and Development Inc., had financially supported his campaign during the 2022 elections.
“The implications of these regulations underscore the importance of maintaining integrity in the electoral process and ensuring that public funds are not improperly influenced by private interests,” Garcia pointed out.
