Comelec orders construction firm president to explain P30M donation to Chiz Escudero campaign

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has issued a show-cause order to Lawrence Lubiano, president of Centerways Construction and Development Inc., for a P30 million donation made to Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero's 2022 senatorial campaign.

Lubiano, who admitted to making the donation, has been given 10 days to submit his reply to the poll body.

The donation is under scrutiny as it may violate Section 95 of the Omnibus Election Code, which prohibits certain entities, including government contractors like Lubiano's company, from making campaign donations.

The Comelec is investigating 52 contractors for potential violations related to contributions during the 2022 elections.

Following Lubiano's explanation, the Comelec will also ask Escudero to explain why he should not face an election offense for receiving the donation.

Senator Escudero stated he will adhere to any orders issued to him to prove he did not violate any law and thanked the Comelec for the opportunity to do so.