Contractor money in politics? Comelec investigates senators, local candidate

National

CAMPAIGN funds of high-profile politicians are under the microscope as the Commission on Elections confirms an ongoing probe into possible illegal contributions from government contractors to three senators and one local candidate.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia confirmed that the inquiry, launched motu proprio, will determine whether prohibited contributions were made in violation of the Omnibus Election Code.

“We should not only focus on the personality who came out last week, but also on other personalities,” Garcia said in an interview on One News’ Storycon, quoted by a Philstar article.

The probe follows revelations that Senate President Francis Escudero received P30 million in campaign funds from Centerways Construction and Development Inc. president Lawrence Lubiano, one of the country’s top contractors for flood control projects. Escudero called the report a “demolition job,” admitted he was “friends” with Lubiano, but denied extending favors to the firm during his tenure as Sorsogon governor from 2019 to 2022.

Election law bars both individuals and corporations engaged in government contracts from making campaign contributions. Section 95(c) of the Omnibus Election Code explicitly prohibits “natural and juridical persons who hold contracts or sub-contracts to supply the government…with goods or services or to perform construction or other works” from directly or indirectly funding candidates.

Garcia emphasized that the law applies broadly. “Take note, Section 95(c) states ‘natural or juridical person’ without distinguishing [company] president or personal capacity,” he said.

He also pointed to gaps in disclosure requirements: candidates are only obliged to indicate a donor’s occupation, leaving it possible to simply declare “businessman” without disclosing government contractor status.

The Comelec has five years to pursue cases against violators.

Separately, the House of Representatives has authorized a tri-committee composed of the panels on public accounts, public works and highways, and good government and public accountability to investigate flood control projects flagged for irregularities. Resolution 145 was adopted after President Marcos identified 15 contractors that secured roughly one-fifth of the government’s P545-billion flood control program.

Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon, who heads the public accounts committee, said implicated lawmakers would be allowed to respond, and if necessary, the probe could be endorsed to an independent body.

Not all lawmakers agreed. Mamamayang Liberal Rep. Leila de Lima cautioned that “it would not be prudent on the part of this House, as it might entail possible conflict of interest,” citing reports of legislators’ involvement in questionable projects.(MyTVCebu)