Election watchdog Kontra Daya today asked the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to investigate individuals who allegedly made prohibited contributions to both President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte in the 2022 national elections.
Named as respondents are Rodolfo D. Hilot Jr., President of Rudhil Construction Enterprises, Inc., and Glenn Y. Escandor, President of ESDEVCO Realty Corp. and Genesis 88 Construction, Inc., for making campaign donations to then candidates Marcos and Duterte while being government contractors.
Kontra Daya said the respondents violated Section 95(c) of the Omnibus Election Code, which prohibits campaign contributions from entities that have existing projects with the government.
The group noted that the same provision also makes it unlawful for candidates to receive contributions from such prohibited sources.
“The law is clear—government contractors are prohibited from funding electoral campaigns to prevent conflicts of interest and undue influence in governance,” Kontra Daya said.
Kontra Daya stressed that enforcing the prohibition on contractor contributions is essential to prevent “pay-to-play” arrangements in government and to protect the integrity of elections and public procurement.
Kontra Daya said their citations are supported by public records including Statements of Contributions and Expenditures by the candidates.
“This case highlights both sides of liability—the act of giving and the act of receiving prohibited contributions. Accountability must apply to all parties involved,” it said.
The group called on Comelec to conduct an investigation to determine the respondents’ liabilities and to pursue appropriate action for proven offenses.
Bagong Alyansang Makabayan secretary general Raymond Palatino led Kontra Daya’s filing at Comelec. # (Raymund B. Villanueva)
