Makati city: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced that three more private contractors have been discovered to have potentially donated to the campaign funds of national candidates during the May 2022 elections. In a recent interview at the Dialogue-Forum on the 1st Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Parliamentary Elections held in Makati City, Comelec Chairperson George Garcia revealed that their Political Finance and Affairs Department (PFAD), responsible for scrutinizing the Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCEs) of candidates in the previous presidential polls, identified these contractors as contributors to presidential and vice-presidential candidates.
According to Philippines News Agency, the commission is currently awaiting confirmation from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) regarding whether these three companies, in addition to the 52 initially identified, have any government contracts. Chairperson Garcia stated, "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."
The investigation encompasses all positions from president down to governors and vice governors. Chairperson Garcia added that the investigation includes presidential and vice-presidential candidates, and emphasized, "Unfortunately, from what we saw, the names of the candidates for president and vice president."
When asked about the DPWH's response to the inquiry, Garcia noted that there had been no response yet, acknowledging that Secretary Vince Dizon is currently dealing with other issues, such as flood control challenges, and that they are not rushing the process.
The Comelec is also conducting an independent investigation into the SOCEs of candidates who participated in the May 2025 polls, with a particular focus on the contributors to campaign funds.
Furthermore, Chairperson Garcia reported that Lawrence Lubiano, president of Centerways Construction and Development Inc., a campaign contributor to Senator Chiz Escudero, appeared before the Comelec to explain his PHP30-million donation, as confirmed by the senator. Garcia stated, "He has appeared, his hearing continued yesterday. His lawyer went and brought the documents and explanation that we are asking from him."
The commission plans to issue a show cause order to Senator Escudero, with Garcia indicating that the senator will be summoned by PFAD. According to the Omnibus Election Code, contributions for partisan political activities are prohibited from individuals or entities holding government contracts or sub-contracts.
