THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) is currently reviewing the campaign contributions of at least four candidates from the 2022 elections to determine if they received donations from government contractors, according to Comelec Chairman George Garcia.
The investigation, initiated motu proprio by the poll body, covers three senatorial candidates and one local candidate in Bulacan, though their identities have not been disclosed.
The announcement comes amid growing concerns about potential conflicts of interest and irregularities involving government contractors, particularly those involved in flood control projects.
Garcia emphasized that the Comelec’s investigation extends to all candidates, not just those who have recently been the subject of media attention. He stated, “We should not only focus on the personality who came out last week, but also on other personalities,” alluding to recent reports involving Senate President Francis Escudero.
The investigation follows reports that Escudero received P30 million in campaign contributions from Lawrence Lubiano, president of Centerways Construction and Development Inc. Centerways is one of 15 contractors that have secured a significant portion of flood control contracts, totaling P545 billion.
While Escudero has acknowledged the contribution, the Comelec’s investigation aims to determine if any laws or regulations were violated in accepting donations from individuals or companies with government contracts. The results of the Comelec’s investigation are expected to be released in the coming weeks.
