Contractors given more time to explain campaign donation

CEBU, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has granted additional time to several government contractors to submit their written explanations on allegations that they made illegal donations to candidates during the 2022 elections.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia said yesterday that not all 27 contractors were able to meet the poll body’s deadline last Friday.

“Nauunawaan naman na hindi nakapag-submit dahil late nila natanggap ‘yong notice from Comelec na pinapasagot sila,” Garcia said. “Kaya mabuti rin na mabigyan sila ng extension. It will be the last extension na ibibigay sa kanila.”

According to Garcia, the written explanations submitted by other contractors are now under review by the Comelec’s Political Finance and Affairs Department (PFAD). The PFAD will then submit its recommendations to the Commission for the filing of appropriate complaints against those found liable for giving prohibited campaign donations.

Garcia added that the Comelec may issue today a show-cause order to candidates who received donations from contractors that have already submitted their explanations.

The Comelec hopes to resolve the issue before the end of the year.

Garcia also noted that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has yet to confirm whether the 31 contractors who donated to candidates in the 2025 elections currently have existing government contracts.

On the case of Sen. Chiz Escudero, Garcia said the Commission is expected to issue its ruling today or tomorrow. He said the PFAD submitted its recommendation last week, and Commissioner-in-Charge Rey Bulay is now reviewing it.

“Kung tingin niya (Bulay) dapat aprubahan ng En Banc, agad naming i-dispose ‘yon sa Wednesday sa En Banc meeting,” Garcia said.

Although inhibited from the case, Garcia said he personally hopes the matter will be resolved soon.

“Matagal nang inaantay ng sambayanan ‘yan. They should immediately dispose of the case para maliwanag na ano ang mangyayari,” he said.

Escudero has admitted receiving campaign donations from government contractor Lawrence Lubiano, but insisted the contribution was given in Lubiano’s personal capacity.

Garcia also said yesterday that he intends to inhibit himself from the case of Sen. Rodante Marcoleta, who earlier admitted failing to declare the campaign donations he received.

“Malamang mag-inhibit ako sa issue na ‘yan para masabing fair tayo at wala tayong sama ng loob na makakaapekto sa kasamahan natin,” Garcia said.

He added that he had a previous professional relationship with Marcoleta, strengthening his decision to inhibit.

Last Friday, the Comelec issued a show-cause order requiring Marcoleta to explain discrepancies in his Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE). — Philippine Star News Service (FREEMAN)