Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Chairman Atty. George Erwin Garcia has confirmed that the poll body will investigate 52 contractors accused of funneling campaign donations in past elections.
This comes after Lawrence Lubiano, President of Centerways Construction and Development Inc., admitted that he contributed ₱30 million to the 2022 campaign of Senator Chiz Escudero.
According to Garcia, Lubiano will be the first to receive a show-cause order, compelling him to explain why he should not face criminal charges. Under the Omnibus Election Code, government contractors are strictly prohibited from donating to candidates during elections.
“We will issue a show-cause order by our department requiring him to explain, #1 if indeed ina-admit nya yung ₱30 million na donation, #2 explain why he should not be charged by the Commission on Elections with an election offense,” Garcia said.
Garcia expressed disbelief over Lubiano’s defense that the contribution was made in his “personal na kapasidad” and not through his company.
“Kung magkaka-ganun, lahat ng nagbigay pala ay private capacity,” Garcia remarked.
Lubiano will be given 15 days to respond to the order. After this, COMELEC will formally notify Escudero.
In a statement, Escudero pledged full compliance with the poll body’s directive, expressing gratitude for the chance to clear his name.
“I will adhere to whatever orders may be issued to me in order to prove that I did not violate any law. I would also like to thank the COMELEC Chair for finally affording me the chance to prove this,” Escudero said.
Escudero earlier acknowledged receiving campaign support from Lubiano but maintained that he never granted the contractor an undue share of government projects.
Notably, Centerways Construction and Development Inc. was among the Top 15 contractors named by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for securing multi-billion flood control projects from the government.