COMELEC Chair García Pushes Due Process, Deadlines in Contractor and Finance Probes

MANILA — Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Chairman George Erwin García said in the recent ambush interview that the poll body is moving to finalize show-cause orders and resolve political finance inquiries involving public works contractors and candidates from the 2022 elections, as the Political Finance and Affairs Department (PFAD) continues its review of submitted explanations.

García confirmed that some DPWH contractors have submitted their replies, while others requested more time after receiving notices late. COMELEC granted a final five-day extension, he said.

“That will be the last extension that we will give to them,” Garcia stressed. “We are not in a hurry, but what is important is that we can afford due process so no one can say anything.”

PFAD is now preparing show-cause orders for candidates named by contractors. “If not today, until tomorrow, those show-cause orders might be released,” he said.

García added that PFAD may dismiss cases that lack basis without elevating them to the Commission En Banc, but cases with sufficient grounds will be endorsed for approval. He aims for resolutions “before the end of the year.”

A complication emerged after private lawyers filed a separate complaint before the COMELEC Law Department, which now conducts a formal preliminary investigation. García acknowledged the need to issue PFAD’s findings promptly to avoid prejudgment concerns.

On discrepancies involving SALNs and SOCEs, he said the PFAD investigation remains purely fact-finding. “We have not yet said the declaration was wrong because we need to hear it first,” he said, noting that violations could fall under RA 7166 or even perjury if proven.

García also said he may inhibit from certain cases to maintain impartiality.

Meanwhile, the Chairman warned that the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections may face delays if the Bangsamoro Parliament fails to pass needed legislation by November 30, noting COMELEC’s preparation timelines and Supreme Court deadlines.

“It’s a self-imposed deadline to pressure the Comelec, not the Parliament,” he clarified.

He also cautioned that reopening accreditation for political parties and sectoral groups in BARMM would further complicate ballot finalization and preparations.

Despite overlapping investigations and legislative uncertainties, García said COMELEC will continue to act strictly within its mandate. “We want our process to be pure and not based on sentiment or popular decision,” he added.