BIZ BUZZ: Campaign donors, beware?
The general elections in the Philippines may still be about two years away, but potential campaign donors from the private sector are already taking serious note of the case involving Sen. Rodante Marcoleta.
To recall, the Office of the Ombudsman last June charged Marcoleta with plunder for over P75 million in undeclared contributions to his ultimately successful campaign for a Senate seat in 2025.
Marcoleta was also charged with three counts of violating Presidential Decree No. 46, which prohibits public officers from accepting gifts while in office.
Charged with him are former Quezon City congressman Mike Defensor and private campaign donors Joseph Espiritu and Aristotle Viray.
And this is where the concerns are coming from, as a number of potential donors—among them the country’s richest individuals and top executives—now fear that donating to an election campaign could get them embroiled in unexpected legal trouble.
Biz Buzz sources said the liability of private citizens cannot rest solely on their having dealt with a public official —even if they get accused of wrongdoing—especially if deeds of donation are signed and donor’s taxes are paid.
The current case, however, begs the question: Was this merely a campaign donation, or was it given as part of a corrupt scheme?
The answer cannot be presumed. It must ultimately be proven.
Even then, the potential trouble down the road may just be too much of a risk for well-meaning private donors.
Given that, will the Marcoleta case change the complexion of the 2028 campaign in that candidates may find it more difficult to get donations? Abangan!
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