Comelec: 3 contractors donated campaign funds to nat’l poll bets

By Ferdinand Patinio, Philippine News Agency

According to the poll body chief, they are still awaiting confirmation from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) if the three companies, along with the 52 others initially tagged, have dealings with the government. (File Photo: COMELEC/Facebook)

MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Thursday said three more private contractors have been found to have potentially donated to the campaign funds of national candidates in the May 2022 polls.

In an interview at the sidelines of the Dialogue-Forum on the 1st Bangsamor Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Parliamentary Elections held Thursday in Makati City, Comelec Chairperson George Garcia noted that their Political Finance and Affairs Department (PFAD), the office that was tasked to look at Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCEs) of candidates in the last presidential polls, reported that three contractors have reportedly contributed to the campaign funds of presidential and vice presidential candidates.

According to the poll body chief, they are still awaiting confirmation from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) if the three companies, along with the 52 others initially tagged, have dealings with the government.

“We need confirmation from the DPWH. Last night, we said that what PFAD is requesting confirmation from DPWH [is] now at 55 contractors. Fifty two at first, there are three more. These three are for positions higher than senator,” he said.

“(Based on the) ongoing investigation in all positions from president down to governors and vice governors. Yes, we are investigating candidates for president and vice president. Unfortunately, from what we saw, the names of the candidates for president and vice president,” added Garcia.

Asked if the department has responded to his query, the head of the commission said, “Nothing yet. We understand that Sec. Vince Dizon is facing many problems (flood control mess), so we are not rushing things.”

The Comelec is conducting its own investigation on the SOCEs of those who ran the May 2025 polls, particularly on the candidates’ campaign contributors.

Escudero’s donor

At the same time, the head of the poll body also reported that Lawrence Lubiano, president of Centerways Construction and Development Inc., one of the campaign contributors of Senator Chiz Escudero, has appeared before the Comelec. He was invited to give his side on his PHP30-million donation as confirmed by the lawmaker.

“He has appeared, his hearing continued yesterday. His lawyer went and brought the documents and explanation that we are asking from him,” Garcia said.

He added that they are set to issue a show cause order to the senator.

“Therefore, expect that the same candidate that received the donation, will be the next one to be summoned by PFAD,” the Comelec chief said.

The Omnibus Election Code states, “no contribution for purposes of partisan political activity shall be made directly or indirectly by a natural and juridical persons, who hold contracts or sub-contracts to supply the government or any of its divisions, subdivisions, or instrumentalities, with goods or services, or to perform construction or other works”.