Marcos vows to face probe, urges Comelec to review 2022 campaign funds

On Sept. 22, Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said the president is willing to be investigated on the allegations flagged by the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) about receiving funds from contractors in the 2022 polls.

Malacañang stated the Commission on Elections (Comelec) should take the lead in reviewing questions surrounding President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s campaign contributions. 

“Let the Comelec do its job. Investigate. The President is willing to be investigated,” Castro said in a Palace press briefing.

The PCIJ reported that Marcos received at least P20 million in donations from Rudhil Construction & Enterprises Inc. owner Rodulfo D. Hilot Jr., and P1 million from Cebu contractor Jonathan M. Quirante. 

Both firms later obtained a significant increase in public works projects after the elections, the PCIJ added.

Under the Omnibus Election Code, candidates are barred from receiving contributions from entities that hold government contracts.

When asked if Marcos would exclude himself from the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), a body he formed to probe flood control anomalies, Castro said he would not.

“Opo. Matapang po ang Pangulo at alam po niya ang kanyang ginagawa at kung ano man ang maaaring maimbestigahan dito, hindi rin po niya ie-excuse ang sarili niya,” she said.

The Comelec has yet to comment on whether it will open an investigation into the donations flagged by the PCIJ.