Election Commission Launches Probe Into Senator's Campaign Funds
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has initiated an examination of Senator Rodante Marcoleta's Statement of Contribution and Expenditures (SOCE) following concerns raised by election watchdog Kontra Daya about undisclosed campaign donors.
Comelec Chairperson George Garcia emphasized the importance of full disclosure when responding to inquiries about whether anonymous donors should have been declared in campaign finance reports. "Everything must be declared," Garcia stated in his message to the Philippine News Agency on Tuesday.
Watchdog Group Questions Senator's Transparency
Danilo Arao, convenor of Kontra Daya, expressed serious concerns about Marcoleta's explanation regarding his campaign donors. The senator had reportedly identified potential contributors as "anonymous" and refused to provide specific names.
"He claims not to violate any laws, but he should remember that filling out official documents should be truthful," Arao asserted in his statement. He highlighted the certification portion of the SOCE form that candidates must sign, which states: 'I hereby certify that I personally prepared this document and know the full contents; and that all information contained herein are true and correct.'
Arao argued that declaring zero contributions is neither true nor correct, and described Marcoleta's explanation about anonymous friends as "just a convenient excuse not to be transparent."
Senator's Defense and Potential Consequences
Senator Marcoleta defended his position by explaining that his campaign contributors specifically requested to remain anonymous. The senator challenged his critics to identify which laws he allegedly violated through his reporting methods.
Kontra Daya has called for both the Comelec and the Senate to investigate the matter thoroughly. The watchdog group indicated they are considering all available options, including potentially filing a case regarding the accuracy of the SOCE submission.
Arao emphasized that as both a lawyer and an elected senator, Marcoleta should understand the importance of accountability and transparency in campaign financing. The controversy highlights ongoing concerns about the completeness and accuracy of campaign finance reporting in Philippine elections.
