COMMISSION on Elections (Comelec) chairman George Erwin Garcia said Thursday, August 14, 2025, that contractors in government projects are prohibited from contributing funds to elective candidates.
“Sila ay bawal mag-contribute sa isang kandidato yun pong mga contractors ng pamahalaan at kahit na anong political subdivision o kung sinuman yung may kontrata sa pamahalaan lalo na po kung ito ay public works,” Garcia said in a television interview.
(They are prohibited from contributing to a candidate—those who are government contractors, or contractors of any political subdivision, or anyone with a contract with the government, especially if it involves public works.)
“Election offense po ito na may isa hanggang anim na taon na pagkakakulong at maaari rin pong maging dahilan ng pagkakakansela po ng mga lisensya o permit noong atin pong mga kumpanya na ito,” he added.
(This is an election offense punishable by one to six years in prison, and it may also lead to the cancellation of the licenses or permits of the companies involved.)
Section 95(c) of the Omnibus Election Code prohibits individuals or entities with government contracts or subcontracts for goods, services, or construction works from making direct or indirect contributions for partisan political activities.
Garcia said elected officials who accept campaign contributions from government contractors may face charges before the Comelec.
On Monday, August 11, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. identified 15 construction firms that have secured 20 percent, or about P100 billion, of government flood control projects since July 2022.
Among the top 15 firms is Centerways Construction and Development Inc., which was reportedly one of the campaign contributors of Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero in the 2022 national elections.
Escudero earlier confirmed being “friends” with Lawrence Lubiano, president of Centerways Construction and Development Inc., but he denied involvement in any of the company’s business. (TPM/SunStar Philippines)