ASEANEWS HEADLINE-GRAFT & CORRUPTION | MANILA: Comelec to probe campaign donations from contractors
This photo shows Commission on Elections Chairman George Garcia./ Released / Commission on Elections
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Comelec to probe donations made by government contractors to election candidates | ANC
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MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will investigate reports that some elected officials received campaign donations from government contractors, despite existing prohibitions.
Comelec Chairman George Garcia said the poll body’s Political Finance and Affairs Department (PFAD) is expected to conduct a motu proprio investigation, amid reports that a number of politicians had benefited from campaign contributions from contractors for flood control and other infrastructure projects, many of which turned out to be of substandard quality.
“Almost sure, it will be done by our PFAD,” Garcia said, referring to an investigation.
He said it does not matter if the irregular contributions were made in 2022 or in 2025 as long as they happened within a prescriptive period, which is five years.
“We can still take action because it’s within our jurisdiction,” Garcia said.
Under Section 95 of the Omnibus Election Code (OEC), Garcia said contractors for government projects are prohibited from contributing funds to candidates and political parties.
Violators face imprisonment of one to six years, among other penalties provided by law.
He declined to say whether some candidates could be held liable for violating such provision in the OEC, as there is a possibility that cases would be filed before the commission.
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“If you read (the law), it would appear that it’s the contractors who are covered. Now, what about the candidates who were given donations? I won’t issue yet any pronouncement on the matter. For now, it’s a free for all interpretation of the provision,” Garcia said.
On Senate President Francis Escudero’s admission that he received campaign contributions during the last elections, Garcia said the senator should be given the chance to explain his side.
The Comelec is still reviewing state contributions and expenditure documents submitted by candidates in the May national and local elections.
Meanwhile, a Duterte-allied senatorial candidate who lost in the last elections went to the Senate yesterday to ask the chamber to investigate alleged irregularities in the 2025 midterm elections.
Jimmy Bondoc, accompanied by lawyer Israelito Torreon, delivered a letter to Escudero requesting for an investigation.
They urged the Senate to investigate alleged poll irregularities through its Blue Ribbon committee, headed by their ally Sen. Rodante Marcoleta.
They were alleging mishandling of election paraphernalia and online voting irregularities.
They also claimed without presenting proof that over 17 million votes for senator were excluded from the official count.
They sought an investigation after only three of their “Duter10” senatorial slate won in the senatorial race.
Their party leader, former president Rodrigo Duterte is detained in The Hague awaiting trial for crimes against humanity for the deaths of thousands in his bloody drug war.–Marc Jayson Cayabyab
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