Comelec chair inhibits from case vs Sen. Escudero over P30M donation

Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairperson George Garcia will inhibit himself from any potential case against Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero concerning a P30 million campaign donation from a contractor.

Garcia cited a previous professional relationship with Escudero as the reason for his inhibition, to avoid any perception of bias.

Commissioner Rey Bulay will now be in charge of the workings of the Comelec's Political Finance and Affairs Department (PFAD) regarding this matter.

The Comelec had previously issued a show-cause order to Lawrence Lubiano, president of Centerways Construction and Development Inc., to explain his P30 million donation to Escudero's 2022 campaign.

Lubiano was also asked to explain why he should not be charged with an election offense for violating Section 95 of the Omnibus Election Code, which prohibits donations from government contractors.

Centerways Construction has secured over P2.85 billion in flood-control projects in Escudero's home province of Sorsogon.