Comelec summons 27 Contractors over 2022 campaign donations

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has issued show cause orders (SCOs) against 27 construction firms found to have allegedly contributed to the campaign funds of politicians during the May 2022 national and local elections.

Comelec Chairperson George Garcia said the orders were sent out Monday last week, directing the contractors to explain within 10 days why they should not face charges for making prohibited political donations.

“The show cause orders have been sent. In the next two weeks, they will be summoned to submit counter-affidavits and answer the allegations against them,” Garcia said in a Wednesday interview. “We will then determine if there’s enough basis to file formal cases before the Comelec.”

The contractors include Yunakim Construction, AIP Construction, Centerways Construction and Development Inc., Prismodial Construction and Development Corp., Makiling Construction Ventures Corp., Viking Construction and Supplies, and several others.

Garcia added that once the contractors have responded, the poll body will issue similar orders to the political candidates who received the donations.

Asked whether some of these candidates are now in public office, Garcia declined to name names. “Not yet. Let the contractors answer first. We don’t want to create tension,” he said.

Of the 27 contractors, 26 reportedly have no current contracts with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), though Comelec is investigating other possible violations involving franchises or related business interests.

The Comelec’s Political Finance and Affairs Department (PFAD) is now handling the proceedings as part of the poll body’s broader campaign to enforce transparency and accountability in political funding.