Safeguards for ‘legitimate’ ’28 campaign donations pushed
Considering top business executives’ role in bankrolling political campaigns, the country’s largest business organization is studying how it can help ensure that campaign contributions are “legitimate” ahead of the 2028 national elections.
Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) president Ferdinand Ferrer said the group was already looking into the mechanics of campaign financing, although it had yet to identify specific measures.
“That one, we’re still reviewing on the mechanics of campaign donations,” Ferrer told reporters on the sidelines of the PCCI’s Philippines Business Conference and Expo. “We have to really look at [how] we can make sure that these donations are legitimate, real.”
Scrutiny of campaign financing has been heightened amid allegations of irregularities involving political contributions.
Among the recent cases is that of Sen. Rodante Marcoleta, who has been charged with plunder over allegations involving P75 million in undeclared contributions to his 2025 senatorial campaign.
Charged alongside Marcoleta were former Quezon City Rep. Mike Defensor and private campaign donors Joseph Espiritu and Aristotle Viray.
Asked whether he was concerned that an influx of campaign funds ahead of the 2028 elections could lead to a repeat of the flood-control corruption scandal, Ferrer expressed confidence in ongoing efforts by the government and the private sector to prevent irregularities.
He cited PCCI’s existing collaboration with institutions such as the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Mayors for Good Governance.
That initiative seeks to provide a “green lane” for legitimate contractors.
Beyond campaign contributions, the PCCI chief said the chamber was also looking to help voters assess the qualifications and policy proposals of candidates seeking national office in 2028.
While PCCI would not endorse any candidate, Ferrer said the group intended to present an economic agenda by early 2027, outlining the priorities it hopes the next administration would pursue.
The agenda would also serve as a reference for evaluating whether candidates’ campaign promises were substantive and aligned with the country’s long-term interests.
“Will this [candidate] really represent the Philippines? Will this [candidate] represent me? Will this [candidate] always think about what is good for my Filipino colleagues here? That’s the most important thing,” he added.
