Photo credit: COMELEC

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has launched an investigation into four candidates who ran for the Senate in the 2022 elections over allegations that they received campaign donations from government contractors.

COMELEC Chair George Garcia confirmed the probe but refrained from disclosing the names of the candidates involved. He noted that the results of the investigation could be released within three weeks. For now, the inquiry is focused only on candidates from the 2022 polls.

The development comes amid heightened public scrutiny of alleged irregularities in flood control projects, where government contractors have also been linked. Senate President Chiz Escudero’s name has previously been dragged into the controversy following claims that he received millions in campaign funds from the owner of a flood control contracting firm. Escudero, however, dismissed the accusations, calling them a “demolition job.”

Under the Omnibus Election Code, contributions to candidates from entities that hold government contracts—or are subcontractors—are strictly prohibited, whether given directly or indirectly. This provision, enshrined in Section 95 of the law, seeks to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure fairness in the electoral process.

COMELEC emphasized that this probe highlights the importance of enforcing these rules. As Chair Garcia explained, “This is the high time to bring up the issue of prohibited contributions. The law is clear—it is not allowed.”

The public now awaits whether the names of the candidates under scrutiny will be revealed and what sanctions, if any, will follow should violations be confirmed.