More bets face illegal donations probe

MANILA, Philippines — Aside from six senatorial candidates, three congressional and two gubernatorial bets in the 2025 elections are also facing possible sanctions for accepting prohibited campaign donations, according to Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Garcia.

Based on the ongoing assessment of the statement of contributions and expenditures (SOCE) of those who ran in the 2025 elections, six senatorial candidates, two party-list groups, one national party,  three congressional and two gubernatorial candidates were found to have accepted donations from contractors, Garcia said.

“Of the six senatorial candidates, four won while two lost in the elections,” he said.

The Comelec cannot yet release the names of the candidates involved at this time, according to the poll chief.

Garcia said the Comelec is still waiting for the Department of Public Works and Highways to certify that the 26 contractors in question had contracts with the government.

The Comelec Political Finance and Affairs Department (PFAD), Garcia said, is expected to finish the assessment of the 2025 election SOCE by tomorrow.

After the completion of the SOCE assessment, the Comelec will submit its new list of illegal campaign donors – if there are any – to the DPWH for certification.

Garcia expressed hope the DPWH will soon release its certification for the initial batch of 54 contractors with campaign donations in the 2022 elections.