MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has placed under scrutiny at least 15 government contractors who were found to have contributed to candidates in the 2022 national and local elections, raising possible violations of campaign finance laws that carry jail terms for those involved.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia confirmed the development over the weekend saying the poll body’s Political Finance and Affairs Department has identified the contractors, although the list may expand as the review continues.

“Based on our assessment, they are considered contractors if they had a government contract at the time the candidate filed their candidacy, or even after the filing, when the elections were over and the candidate had either won or lost. We will be able to verify this through the Department of Public Works and Highways,” Chairman Garcia said.

He said based on initial findings, 15 contractors were reported to have extended donations to candidates.

Comelec probes 15 govt contractors over 2022 election donations

"If it is proven that they had active government contracts at the time of the contribution, then this constitutes an election offense punishable by one to six years’ imprisonment,” Garcia said.

Under Section 95 of the Omnibus Election Code, certain individuals and entities are disqualified from making political contributions. These include public utilities, banks, educational institutions receiving government subsidies, and government contractors. The intent of the law is to prevent conflicts of interest and undue influence in public bidding and procurement.

A violation is considered a criminal offense, with penalties ranging from imprisonment to disqualification from holding public office. The provision also extends liability to candidates who knowingly receive prohibited donations, though Garcia said the Comelec was initially focused on confirming the legal status of the donors.

“Liability may extend to recipients if it is shown that they accepted contributions knowing these were from ineligible sources. But our priority is to determine whether those who donated indeed had government contracts during the period covered,” Garcia said.

Garcia assured that the Comelec would pursue the case with transparency and due process. Once the DPWH confirms the contracting status of the donors, the poll body may file formal charges before the Department of Justice.

He added that the case also highlighted the need for stronger coordination between election regulators and agencies handling procurement.

“The law is clear: government contractors cannot make donations. If proven, we will enforce the penalties,” Garcia said.

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