Teacher asks SC to review Comelec ruling clearing Chiz Escudero of campaign donation issue

A teacher has filed a petition with the Supreme Court seeking a review of the Commission on Elections' Political Finance and Affairs Department (PFAD) decision that cleared Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero of wrongdoing concerning a P30-million campaign donation from a government contractor.

The petitioner, high school teacher John Barry Tayam, is asking the Supreme Court to annul and set aside the Comelec PFAD ruling, which was made exactly a month ago.

Tayam urged the Supreme Court to direct the Comelec to initiate proceedings for violating Section 95 (c) of the Omnibus Election Code, which prohibits contributions from entities holding contracts with the government.

The Comelec's PFAD had previously recommended the termination of the investigation, stating that contractor Lawrence Lubiano and his company, Centerways Construction and Development Inc., are distinct legal entities.

However, Tayam argues that Lubiano and Centerways are the same entity as he is the majority owner and earns from the company's income.