The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has issued a show cause order against Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero to explain the ₱30 million donation he received from contractor Lawrence Lubiano during the 2022 campaign. He is being ordered to appear before the Political Finance and Affairs Department for a hearing on October 13.
According to Comelec Chair George Garcia, the decision will depend on whether it is a personal contribution or a corporate donation, as contributions from government contractors are prohibited by law. Escudero also said he is open to the investigation and insisted that no law was violated.
The issue came to light after Lubiano admitted in a Congressional hearing that he had given a donation to Escudero. A private lawyer also filed a complaint against the senator with the Senate ethics committee, which led to his resignation as Senate president. At the same time, the Comelec is also investigating 55 contractors who gave funds to other candidates during the election.
