Comelec: 27 contractors to explain campaign donations

MANILA, Philippines — The 27 government contractors who donated to the campaign of candidates in the 2022 elections are expected to start giving their explanations to the Commission on Elections in the next two weeks.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia said they started sending out the summons on Monday, requiring the 27 contractors to submit their counter-affidavits.

He said the contractors were given 10 days to submit their explanation and why they should not be charged with an election offense.

“They will have to go to PFAD (Political Finance and Affairs Department) and submit officially the affidavits,” he said.

After the 27 contractors, Garcia said, Comelec will issue the summons to those who benefited from their campaign donations.

Garcia said six senatorial candidates, five party-list groups, four congressmen, three gubernatorial bets, two vice governors and a councilor received donations from the government contractors.

The poll chief further noted that the contractors who were without contracts with the government are not yet off the hook.

“They may also be involved in other aspects such as the franchise of donations. We will look into that,” he said.