Four out of six senatorial candidates who received funds from contractors during the recent midterm elections won a seat, according to the Commission on Elections.
Comelec Chairperson George Garcia said the poll body is now verifying with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) whether those donors held government contracts. If confirmed, the donations could constitute a violation of the Omnibus Election Code.
“We’ve identified 26 contractors who helped national and local candidates [in the 2025 elections],” Garcia said during an interview with Radyo DZBB on Wednesday, October 22.
“Six senatorial candidates received help from these contractors, and we’re now verifying with DPWH if they’re public works contractors to determine if this falls under Section 95c of the Omnibus Election Code,” Garcia said in mixed English and Filipino.
Garcia told Philstar.com that four of the six senatorial candidates who received such donations won in May. He did not identify the candidates or disclose the amounts they received.
Both winning and losing candidates face potential sanctions if found guilty.
“Violation of Section 95 of the Omnibus Election Code is an election offense punishable by imprisonment of one to six years and perpetual disqualification to hold public office,” Garcia told Philstar.com.
Meanwhile, the Comelec has been waiting on the DPWH to confirm whether the contractors that allegedly donated to candidates during the 2022 elections also held government contracts.
‘For the 2022 elections, we are still waiting for the DPWH’s reply to our request for verification,’ Garcia said, adding that the Comelec has already reiterated its request to the department.
The poll body earlier identified 55 contractors who reportedly contributed or donated to 2022 electoral candidates. Of that number, only one contractor and one candidate have admitted to a P33-million contribution, allowing the Comelec to proceed with the case even without DPWH confirmation.
Garcia did not name the contractor and candidate.
However, the Comelec earlier said it would seek an explanation from Lawrence Lubiano, president of Centerways Construction and Development Inc., after he admitted during a hearing that he donated P30 million to the campaign of Sen. Chiz Escudero.
Escudero had, according to Garcia, already explained to the Comelec that he thought the donation came from a “private fund.”
“It’s been submitted for resolution and [we can] expect any moment a resolution from our Political Finance and Affairs Department,” Garcia said, adding he hopes for a decision within the month “to remove doubts not just from our citizens but from the accused contractors and candidates themselves.”
Section 95C of the Omnibus Election Code prohibits contractors with government projects from making direct or indirect contributions to candidates or political parties.