Comelec Chair Highlights Campaign Contributions by Contractors
Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairperson George Erwin Garcia revealed that 31 contractors contributed to the campaign funds of national candidates during the 2022 elections. The disclosure sheds light on the link between government contractors and political campaign financing, a topic of growing public interest.
Among these 31 contractors, three are reportedly part of the 15 firms that secured the largest flood control projects nationwide from 2022 to 2025. This connection between flood control project contractors and campaign donations raises questions about compliance with election laws, officials reported.
Verification Process Underway Before Public Disclosure
Garcia emphasized that the list of contractors cannot yet be made public, as the poll body is still conducting its initial inquiry. “I will confirm after the hearing on our budget. I will look at the list. I already saw in the (Comelec) list some of those mentioned by our president,” he said in a recent interview with reporters.
When asked about the exact number of flood control project contractors involved, Garcia responded candidly, “I’ll be very honest. It seemed that I identified three already.” Community members noted the cautious approach to avoid premature disclosure.
Coordination with DPWH to Confirm Contracts
The poll body plans to send the compiled list to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to verify which contractors had active government contracts during the election period. “After the list is collated, we will write to the DPWH. We will ask, ‘Who among these have contracts with the government at the time of filing of candidacy or before the filing of candidacy or immediately after the election?” Garcia explained.
Local leaders highlighted that this step is crucial to determine if any contractors violated election laws by contributing to campaigns while holding government contracts.
Legal Framework Prohibiting Contractor Contributions
Under Section 95(c) of the Omnibus Election Code (OEC), government contractors are prohibited from making donations to partisan political activities. Garcia reiterated, “No contribution for purposes of partisan political activity shall be made directly or indirectly by any of the following: (c) natural and juridical persons who hold contracts or subcontracts to supply the government or any of its divisions, subdivisions or instrumentalities with goods or services, or to perform construction or other works.”
Officials stressed that such contributions constitute election offenses and could lead to sanctions.
Submission of Contractor List to House Committee
During the House Committee on Appropriations’ hearing on Comelec’s 2026 budget, Chairperson Garcia pledged to submit the list of 31 contractors who allegedly contributed to candidates’ campaigns in the 2022 national elections. This move aims to promote transparency and accountability in election financing.
Flood Control Projects and Contractor Concentration
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier disclosed that out of the total P545-billion budget for flood mitigation projects from July 2022 to May 2025, only P100 billion was awarded to 15 contractors out of 2,409 accredited firms. This concentration of contracts among a few companies has drawn public scrutiny.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) provided a list of the top flood control contractors, including:
- Legacy Construction Corporation
- Alpha & Omega Gen. Contractor & Development Corp.
- St. Timothy Construction Corporation
- QM Builders
- EGB Construction Corporation
- Topnotch Catalyst Builders Inc.
- Centerways Construction and Development Inc.
- Sunwest, Inc.
- Hi-Tone Construction & Development Corp.
- Triple 8 Construction & Supply, Inc.
- Royal Crown Monarch Construction & Supplies Corp.
- Wawao Builders
- MG Samidan Construction
- L.R. Tiqui Builders, Inc.
- Road Edge Trading & Development Services
Community members expressed hope that this investigation will clarify the extent of political contributions by these contractors and uphold the integrity of election laws.
For more news and updates on flood control project contractors, visit Filipinokami.com.
