The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has issued show cause orders (SCOs) against 27 contractors found to have contributed to the campaign funds of politicians during the May 2022 elections.
Comelec Chairperson George Garcia said the orders were sent last Monday, giving the contractors 10 days to respond.
“The show cause orders have been sent. I think in the next two weeks they will all be summoned… That will start by next week to submit counter affidavits, answer possible issues, allegations against them,” Garcia said.
He added that the Comelec will assess their responses before deciding whether to file formal cases. “We will now find out what their response is. What is your contention, why we should not file a case against you with the Comelec,” he said.
The contractors were instructed to submit affidavits to the Political Finance and Affairs Department (PFAD).
Garcia also revealed that candidates who received donations from these contractors will be issued SCOs next but declined to name them. “Not yet. Let the contractors answer first. We don’t want to create tension,” he said.
Among the 27 contractors identified are Yunakim Construction, AIP Construction, Makiling Construction Ventures Corp., and GP&H Construction Inc.
Garcia added that 26 of these contractors currently have no contracts with the Department of Public Works and Highways but noted that “there may be other aspects that they are involved in, for example, franchise or other prohibited donations. We are looking into that.”