Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero is facing an ethics complaint after allegedly receiving a ₱30-million campaign donation from Lawrence Lubiano, president of Centerways Construction, one of the Top 15 contractors flagged in government flood control projects earlier named by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
The complaint was filed before the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges, chaired by Senate Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito, by Atty. Marvin Aceron. He argued that Escudero’s acceptance of the donation during his 2022 senatorial campaign casts serious doubt on the integrity of the Senate.
According to Aceron, Centerways Construction had only 12 contracts worth ₱720 million before Lubiano’s donation. From 2021 to 2025, however, the company secured 112 contracts worth ₱16.67 billion, with ₱15.9 billion of those awarded after the donation.
“The sheer number, aggregate value, and geographic concentration of these projects, coinciding with the ₱30-million donation, underscore the appearance of impropriety and raise serious doubts about the independence of public procurement from political influence,” the complaint stated.
Under the Omnibus Election Code, individuals or companies with government contracts are prohibited from donating to candidates during elections.
The complaint cited the following violations:
- Conduct unbecoming of a senator (disorderly behavior)
- Conflict of interest and improper influence
- Violation of public policy on prohibited sources under the Omnibus Election Code
- Threat to the integrity of public procurement
- Financial opacity and application of the “alter ego” doctrine
Escudero has dismissed the allegations, attributing the complaint to his political rival, former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
“This is just part of the harassment from his minions. This isn’t about ethics. This is political retribution. This complaint is still part of their script and a desperate smokescreen. I will expose it for the politically motivated sham that it is,” Escudero said in a statement to the media, without addressing the details of the accusations.
It may be recalled that Lubiano himself admitted during a House Committee on Infrastructure hearing that he gave Escudero a campaign donation, though he claimed it came from his personal funds and not from his construction company.