Comelec probes contractors over illegal campaign donations

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is investigating three to four public works contractors suspected of illegally contributing to the campaign funds of national candidates in the 2022 elections.

Comelec chairperson George Erwin Garcia confirmed that the Political Finance and Affairs Department (PFAD) has been tasked to conduct a motu proprio investigation into the SOCEs of 2022 candidates.

The investigation aims to identify firms with government contracts, particularly for flood control projects, that may have funded the campaigns of national candidates, including senatorial positions.

Section 95(c) of the Omnibus Election Code prohibits entities holding government contracts for goods, services, or construction work from making campaign donations.

Garcia clarified that only the contractors would be held liable for prohibited donations, while the candidates who received them would not face penalties.

The Comelec is handling the matter with care to avoid violating the privacy of private individuals.