At least seven candidates in the 2025 midterm elections reportedly received donations from government contractors, according to Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Chairman George Erwin Garcia.
Garcia said that based on initial findings, four of the seven candidates ran for senator, while two were from party-list groups.
“We have identified at least seven candidates who received campaign donations from 21 contractors who may have ongoing or previous government projects,” Garcia disclosed.
The information came from a review of the candidates’ Statements of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE) and the COMELEC’s cross-checking of donor records.
Garcia explained that the commission is still awaiting official certification from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to confirm whether the 21 contractors involved have existing contracts with the government—a potential violation of election laws prohibiting such donations.
“We are verifying if these contractors had or still have projects with the government. If proven, that would raise serious legal and ethical concerns,” he said.
The COMELEC chief declined to reveal the names of the seven candidates while the investigation remains ongoing.
“We cannot name them yet until we complete validation. Once confirmed, we will act accordingly,” Garcia added.
The ongoing probe is part of the poll body’s effort to strengthen campaign finance transparency and ensure accountability among candidates and donors in future elections.