The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has ordered Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero to explain the ₱30 million campaign donation he received from a government contractor during his 2022 senatorial run.
Comelec Chairman George Garcia confirmed on Saturday that the show cause order (SCO) was already issued, with a hearing set for October 13, 2025.
Escudero, for his part, welcomed the move.
“We welcome the opportunity to prove that no law has been violated, just like others mentioned in the PCIJ report,” he said.
The controversy stems from Centerways Construction and Development Inc. president Lawrence Lubiano, who earlier admitted before Congress that he donated ₱30 million to Escudero’s campaign. Lubiano insisted the money came from his personal funds.
However, under Section 95 of the Omnibus Election Code, contractors and suppliers with government projects are strictly prohibited from making political donations. Comelec now needs to determine whether Lubiano’s role as a contractor invalidates his claim of giving money in a “private capacity.”
Garcia explained:
“This is the crux of the issue—can a contractor donate as a private citizen, or is the law absolute in its prohibition?”
Escudero has denied any link between his campaign and flood control projects, saying he had no involvement in such contracts in Sorsogon or elsewhere.
This case has become even more high-profile because Centerways was previously identified by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as one of the top contractors cornering government flood control projects.
Garcia also stressed that Escudero is not being singled out. He revealed that Comelec is also looking into reported campaign donations to President Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte, both flagged in investigative reports for allegedly accepting funds from contractors.
Malacañang, for its part, said Marcos is willing to face an investigation into the matter.
For now, all eyes are on Escudero as he prepares to defend himself in Comelec’s probe—a case that could test the country’s campaign finance laws like never before.
