The 27 government contractors who donated to 2022 election candidates are expected to start giving explanations to the Commission on Elections in the next two weeks. Comelec Chairman George Garcia said summons were sent out on Monday, requiring counter-affidavits. The contractors have 10 days to submit their explanations and reasons why they should not face election offense charges.
MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has begun sending summons to 27 government contractors who donated to candidates in the 2022 national and local elections. Comelec Chairman George Garcia said the process started on Monday, with explanations expected in the next two weeks.
“They will have to go to PFAD (Political Finance and Affairs Department) and submit officially the affidavits,” Garcia said. The contractors are given 10 days to file their counter-affidavits and explain why they should not be charged with an election offense.
Following the contractors, Comelec will issue summons to the beneficiaries of the donations. These include six senatorial candidates, five party-list groups, four congressmen, three gubernatorial candidates, two vice governors, and one councilor.
Garcia added that contractors without current government contracts are not yet cleared. “They may also be involved in other aspects such as the franchise of donations. We will look into that,” he said. This is part of Comelec's investigation into potential violations of election laws related to campaign financing.