Comelec announced Smartmatic’s disqualification from ‘all procurement’ after bagging contracts worth at least P25 billion in the country’s last five elections, according to data that PCIJ culled from news reports. The amount could be higher.

Since its inception in 2009, the NGCP has amassed P286 billion in earnings, allocating a substantial portion—P208 billion—as dividends to shareholders. While rewarding investors is standard corporate practice, the Senate’s concern suggests a disproportionate focus on profits over the pressing requirements of the grid’s expansion and modernization.

A court hearing was scheduled on Monday, November 13, but it was postponed. The court last heard the case two months ago.