The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has issued show cause orders (SCOs) to 27 private contractors found to have allegedly contributed to campaign funds of politicians during the May 2022 elections.
COMELEC Chair Atty. George Erwin Garcia said the orders were sent out on Monday, giving the contractors 10 days to respond.
“The show cause orders have been sent. I think in the next two weeks they will all be summoned… to submit counter affidavits and answer possible issues, allegations against them,” Garcia said.
He explained that the investigation will determine whether cases should be filed against both the contractors and the candidates who received the donations.
“We will now find out what their response is… Next is those who received the donations. What is their contention and defense,” he added.
Garcia noted that 26 contractors currently have no contracts with the DPWH, but the COMELEC is also reviewing if any were involved in other prohibited donations such as franchises or government-linked ventures.