The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will launch a motu proprio investigation into reports that some elected officials received campaign donations from government contractors, which is prohibited under the Omnibus Election Code.
Chairman George Garcia said the probe, to be conducted by the Political Finance and Affairs Department, will cover contributions made within the five-year prescriptive period, regardless of whether they occurred in 2022 or 2025.
Contractors face imprisonment and other penalties for violations, while Garcia withheld comment on whether candidates who accepted such donations could also be held liable.
The Comelec is also reviewing campaign finance records from the recent elections, even as losing Duterte-allied senatorial candidate Jimmy Bondoc sought a Senate probe into alleged poll irregularities, including mishandling of paraphernalia and unproven claims of excluded votes.
Bondoc’s camp, which won only three of its “Duter10” senatorial slate, filed the request with Senate President Francis Escudero, who has admitted receiving campaign contributions but awaits the chance to explain.
Source: PhilNews24 | August 15, 2025
