The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has expanded its ongoing investigation into campaign contributions made by government contractors, revealing that six additional senators may have received donations from firms with potential links to public projects.
Chairman George Erwin Garcia confirmed the development in a radio interview Tuesday, saying the new names emerged from the poll body’s review of 55 contractors identified as donors during the 2022 national elections.
“Based on initial reports, there are around six other senators who were recipients,” Garcia disclosed. “But we cannot yet reveal who they are until our investigation is complete.”
The Comelec is coordinating with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to verify whether the companies that contributed were engaged in government-funded infrastructure or supply contracts at the time of the donations.
The inquiry stems from the controversy involving Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero, who was earlier issued a show-cause order after records showed that Centerways Construction and Development Inc. president Lawrence Lubiano contributed P30 million to his campaign. Centerways is among the contractors confirmed to have government projects.
Garcia clarified, however, that not all contractor donations automatically violate election laws. While Section 95(c) of the Omnibus Election Code bars individuals or entities with existing government contracts from donating to candidates, firms operating solely in the private sector—such as real estate developers, glass manufacturers, or suppliers of non-government projects—are not necessarily covered.
“There are contractors that only build subdivisions or commercial spaces,” Garcia explained. “If they are not engaged in any government project or bidding, then they fall outside the legal prohibition.”
The Comelec chief emphasized that the investigation aims to draw a clear line between legitimate private donations and those that could constitute undue influence or conflict of interest.
The findings could prompt a broader review of campaign finance laws, as watchdogs and reform advocates renew calls for stricter donor vetting and transparency in political funding.
Garcia said the Comelec expects to release its official findings once the DPWH completes its validation process. “We owe it to the public to be transparent,” he added. “Campaign contributions should never be used as a backdoor to government contracts.”
