The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Wednesday said it will issue a show cause order against Centerways Construction President Lawrence Lubiano to explain why he should not face charges for donating P30 million to Senate President Francis ‘‘Chiz’’ Escudero’s 2022 campaign.
Comelec chair George Garcia said the donation by Lubiano, president of Centerways Construction and Development Inc., is prohibited under the Omnibus Election Code, which bars government contractors from making political contributions.
Lubiano confirmed he donated P30 million to Escudero’s campaign, claiming the money came from his personal funds.
Garcia said show cause orders will also be issued against 51 contractors who donated to political candidates in the 2022 elections.
These contractors will be required to explain why they should not face disciplinary action for violating election laws.
In a Viber message, Garcia said at least 43 contractors donated to seven candidates for national positions, including senators and legislative district congressmen, while 15 donations were made to political parties and party-list groups.
He added that nine contractors contributed to the campaigns of governors and vice governors.
The Comelec is now investigating the contractors’ involvement in the alleged illegal campaign donations.
The poll body said possible penalties include administrative fines, disqualification from government contracts, and imprisonment of one to six years, along with perpetual disqualification from holding public office.
Escudero acknowledged Lubiano as a campaign donor but denied any link to flood control projects in Sorsogon or elsewhere in the country.
