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COMELEC clarifies ban on political donations from government contractors
COMELEC clarifies ban on political donations from government contractors
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COMELEC clarifies ban on political donations from government contractors
by Mika Jenymae Rasing15 August 2025

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Chairman George Garcia clarified that government contractors and companies are prohibited from making political donations.

In an exclusive interview with DZRH’s Dos Por Dos on Friday, August 15, Garcia explained that Section 95, Paragraph C of the 1985 Omnibus Election Code indicates that such entities are prohibited from making political contributions. Moreover, a natural or juridical person—whether an individual or corporation—under the service or public works in the government is not allowed to donate.

When asked if friends of politicians are allowed to make donations, Garcia said it would be difficult to give an exact conclusion on the matter, as they need to consider the specifics first.

"Hindi ko sasabihin yun ay tama at valid na depensa. O malakas na depensa yan. Hindi ko po muna bibigyan ng konklusyon dahil maaaring may makarating sa amin ng mga ganyang klaseng complaint. Lalo na kung na kung involving ang isa mismong opisyal ng public works contractor o kaya service contractor ng pamahalaan," he explained.

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In contrast, Garcia said that recent developments have revealed complaints about some politicians taking campaign contributions from contractors and government-associated construction companies.

"So yung maganda sa nangyari ngayon, yung mga recent developments, sapagkat dati-dati po walang masyadong pumapansin sa ganyang klaseng issue [dati]. Hindi po nakikita yung ganyang klaseng issue, ngayon nalantad…kakailanganin namin ng tulong ng publiko sapagkat hindi naman namin kakilala ang lahat ng contractors o kung sino ang may kontrata sa pamahalaan,” Garcia said.

Amid recent developments, Garcia was asked whether such officials, contributors, or donors would have to suffer the consequences.

The COMELEC chairman responded, stating that officials can face from one to six years in prison. Despite this, he admitted that the poll body would also need the help of the public, stating asking them to do a double take with local officials and call out those they had missed.

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At the same time, the poll body will also conduct its investigation into the matter.

"Yan po yung gagawin namin ngayon sapagkat may mga sumulpot kasing mga pangalan, personalidad, nag mo-motu propio po kami. At syempre ngayon, magsisimula kaming tumanggap nung mga reklamo mula sa iba't ibang mamamayan natin," said Garcia.

Garcia also explained the prescriptive period for filing complaints: violations committed in 2022 may be reported until 2027, while those committed in 2025 may be reported until 2030, giving time to build a strong case against the contractor or even the politician involved.

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