The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said the number of government contractors that contributed to candidates during the 2022 national elections has now reached 55, according to a report by GMA News Online.
Comelec chairperson George Erwin Garcia stressed that the poll body is investigating possible illegal donations involving candidates across all positions, including those who ran for president and vice president.
“Ongoing ang investigation sa lahat ng positions from president, vice-presidents, senators, partylists, congressmen of districts, kasama nga po ang governors at vice governors,” Garcia said.
He explained that the Comelec’s Political Finance and Affairs Department (PFAD) sought confirmation from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on the contractors. Initially, 52 contractors were listed, but three more were recently added—linked to posts higher than senator. The DPWH has yet to respond to Comelec’s request for certification.
Garcia also confirmed that the PFAD will summon Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero after contractor Lawrence Lubiano admitted donating ₱30 million to his senatorial campaign. Lubiano, president of Centerways Construction and Development Inc., earlier faced a show-cause order and appeared through his legal counsel on September 24 to present documents and an explanation.
“Nag-appear na po, natuloy kahapon hearing niya. Nagpunta abogado niya at may dalang documents at explanation na hinihingi natin sa kanya. Therefore, asahan niyo, yung mismong kandidato na nabigyan niya ang susunod na ipapatawag ng PFAD,” Garcia said.
At a House hearing, Lubiano himself declared that the ₱30 million donation came from him personally, not from his company.
“Your honor, personally ko po donation or nag-donate po ako kay Senator Chiz, yung P30 million. Hindi po galing sa company ‘yun, galing po yun sa akin as a personal individual,” he stated.
Under Section 95 of the Omnibus Election Code, individuals or entities holding government contracts are prohibited from directly or indirectly contributing to any candidate’s campaign.
