The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has cleared Senator Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero and construction executive Lawrence Lubiano of any liability over a P30-million campaign contribution made during the 2022 elections.
In a nine-page resolution adopted on November 26, the Comelec’s Political Finance and Affairs Department (PFAD) ordered the termination of its investigation into the donation from Lubiano, president of Centerways Construction and Development, Inc.
Investigators found no evidence that Escudero or Lubiano violated Section 95(c) of the Omnibus Election Code, which prohibits campaign donations from government contractors.
The PFAD said Lubiano and Centerways are legally distinct, and there was no indication of fraud, bad faith, or an attempt to evade campaign-finance rules.
Lubiano admitted making the contribution but maintained that it came from his personal funds. Because the donation did not originate from the company’s resources, the PFAD concluded that Escudero’s acceptance “suffers no legal impediment.”
Escudero welcomed the Comelec decision, saying it affirmed “what we have always believed and practiced—that transparency, honesty, and adherence to the rules matter, and that the truth prevails when the process is fair.”
“Since we first ran for public office in 1998, we have worked to consistently comply with our election laws because this is the foundation of public trust,” the senator said in a statement.
“The Comelec’s ruling strengthens my faith in our institutions and reinforces my commitment to continue serving with integrity and accountability,” he added.
Meanwhile, Escudero praised President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for steering an evidence focused inquiry into alleged irregularities in the flood control budget.
The commendation came during Senate deliberations on the Department of Public Works and Highways budget as scrutiny over infrastructure spending intensified.
“I commend the administration for not following or yielding to any script or charade meant to divert attention from the real culprits. According to Secretary Dizon himself, what they are following, based on President Marcos’ directive, is wherever the evidence leads them,” said Escudero.
He pointed to the Ombudsman’s recent filing of corruption and malversation cases against several former officials and executives tied to disputed flood control projects.
