Election watchdogs and legal experts raised alarm over the Commission on Elections’ (COMELEC) decision clearing Senator Chiz Escudero of liability for accepting a ₱30-million campaign donation from a contractor, saying the ruling could reshape future campaign financing in favor of those with deep contracting ties.
The Comelec’s Political Finance and Affairs Department (PFAD) ruled that donor Lawrence Lubiano—whose companies secured contracts in Sorsogon during Escudero’s governorship—should be treated separately from his firms, allowing the donation to stand.
Kontra Daya convenor Danilo Arao criticized the ruling, warning it undermines transparency and the intent of the Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE).
“This sends the wrong message to people that even if you got contributions from confirmed contractors, you can still get away with it as long as you declare donations as individuals,” he said, noting that it potentially allows contractors to curry favor with any candidate.
“This means that private contractors can now donate to the politicians of their choice. In fact, they can even donate to everybody so that whoever wins will be still in the good graces of these private contractors,” Arao added.
The PFAD maintained that the donation does not violate Section 95(C) of the Omnibus Election Code, which bans political contributions made directly or indirectly by individuals or entities holding government supply or construction contracts.