President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is willing to face investigation over allegations that his 2022 campaign received millions in donations from government contractors, Malacañang said Monday.
The Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) reported that several contractors with active government projects contributed to President Marcos’ presidential bid and later saw a sharp increase in public works contracts awarded to them in the last three years.
The Omnibus Election Code prohibits donations from entities engaged in business with the government.
Asked about the report, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said the Palace would leave the matter to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
“Let the Comelec do its job, investigate,” she said.
Pressed if Mr. Marcos would allow himself to be included in the probe, Castro said the President would not shield himself from accountability.
“The President is willing to be investigated,” she said. “He is courageous and he knows what he is doing. Whatever may be investigated here, he will not excuse himself,” Castro added.
The Palace’s statement comes amid calls from transparency advocates for a full inquiry into the P20 million donation allegedly received from one contractor during the 2022 campaign.
President Marcos, who has repeatedly vowed to uphold transparency and good governance, earlier authorized agencies to cooperate with inquiries “in the spirit of accountability,” according to Castro.
The Comelec has yet to issue a formal statement on whether it will pursue an investigation into the report.
