MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has identified 21 contractors who allegedly donated to eight candidates during the 2025 midterm elections, Comelec Chairman George Garcia said.

In an interview over DZMM Teleradyo, Garcia said the finding was based on the review of 42,000 Statements of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCEs) screened by the poll body’s legal department.

“Until last Friday, meron 21 naman nakita na contractors na nagbigay din sa mga politiko. Yung sinabi natin na 21, hindi nangangahulugang 21 din na kandidato, mga walo lang kandidato ang involved,” Garcia said.

He added that some candidates received contributions from multiple contractors.

“Halimbawa may isang kandidato ay madaming contractor na nagbigay po sa kanya,” he said.

Garcia noted that the Comelec’s investigation would be completed in less than two weeks, as the agency awaits verification from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

“Pag natapos kami sa 2025, agad kaming liliham sa DPWH para magpa-confirm kung yung mga nakita naming pangalan na contractors ay talagang government contractors,” he said.