Comelec Chair Commits to Disclose Contractors List
MANILA, Philippines — Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairperson George Erwin Garcia pledged to release a list of contractors allegedly linked to campaign contributions in the 2022 national elections. This move aims to shed light on possible violations of election laws involving private firms and government projects.
During the House committee on appropriations’ budget hearing for Comelec’s 2026 allocation, Marikina 2nd District Representative Miro Quimbo inquired about publishing the names of those who may have breached Section 95 of the Omnibus Election Code. The official emphasized the importance of transparency given recent public concerns.
Scrutiny of Contractors and Campaign Contributions
Recent investigations by netizens and research groups revealed connections between elected officials and contractors. These findings came after analyzing data from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s “Sumbong sa Pangulo” website, highlighting top firms involved in flood control projects. Community members noted the public’s growing interest in identifying potential conflicts of interest.
Quimbo asked, “We have talked several times about Section 95 of the Omnibus Election Code particular the contributions of persons or private companies of direct dealings in government, can we know Chairman George who these people are, based on the SOCE (Statement of Contributions and Expenditures) who received something from contractors or those involved sa DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways).”
Thirty-One Contractors Under Review
Garcia responded that as of last Saturday, 31 possible contractors were identified as linked to candidates for national positions. “So far, the review is ongoing, but we are going to submit the list of 31, Madam chair,” the Comelec chief said. Officials reported the list is based on data from the 2022 elections, considering the five-year prescriptive period for filing election-related charges, which extends to 2030.
However, Garcia requested discretion before publicly naming the contractors and candidates. “If you will allow me, I would not yet reveal on record but we will submit by tomorrow the list because we have to verify with DPWH if these 31 contractors have an existing contract at the time of the filing of the candidacy ng mga of the said candidates,” he explained.
Verification Process and Legal Implications
The Comelec chair clarified that having contractor status alone doesn’t imply wrongdoing. “Because there is a possibility that they are contractors but they do not have contracts so they are safe. But we will look at it if they have contracts during the filing of the candidacy of the said candidates, or after the candidacy, or after the election, so that we can see if the position was used to win the bid for contracts,” Garcia said.
He added that the commission will submit this comprehensive list of contractors who might have violated Section 95, which prohibits certain contributions from those with government contracts. Local leaders noted this step as crucial in ensuring election integrity and public trust.
Strong Stance on Contractor Contributions
At the same hearing, Garcia expressed his firm position: if it were up to him, any monetary contributions from contractors to a candidate’s campaign would automatically be considered a violation of the Omnibus Election Code. This reflects a commitment to stricter enforcement against potential electoral corruption.
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