Comelec Nears Verdict in High-Profile Campaign Finance Case
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is set to issue a crucial ruling concerning Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero and his campaign donor, Lawrence Lubiano, President of Centerways Construction and Development Inc. Comelec Chairman George Garcia announced that the decision is expected to be released on or before Wednesday, November 26, 2025.
In a recent interview, Chairman Garcia confirmed that the Political Finance and Affairs Department (PFAD) has completed its recommendation. The case is now with Commissioner-in-Charge Rey Bulay for final disposition. Garcia emphasized the urgency of the matter, stating that the public has been anticipating this resolution for a long time and that further delays are unacceptable.
Details of the Escudero-Lubiano Case
The case stems from the May 2022 national elections. Both Senator Escudero and donor Lawrence Lubiano have publicly admitted to the campaign donation. Escudero confirmed receiving the funds, while Lubiano acknowledged donating P30 million to the senator's campaign coffers.
A significant point of contention is that Lubiano's company, Centerways Construction and Development Inc., held several government contracts at the time of the donation. The Comelec has already issued separate Show Cause Orders to both individuals, to which they have submitted their respective responses.
Marcoleta Faces Separate Soce Inquiry
In a related development, the Comelec is also addressing a case involving Senator Rodante Marcoleta. The poll body has given Marcoleta a deadline until next Friday to explain alleged discrepancies in his Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (Soce) for the May 2025 polls.
According to Garcia, a show cause order was dispatched to the senator last Friday, granting him a 10-day period to respond. The central issue revolves around Marcoleta's reported campaign finances. His Soce indicated that he received no contributions but spent a substantial P112,857,951.44.
This has raised questions, especially since his Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) reflected a net worth of P51.9 million. Senator Marcoleta has stated that friends did provide donations for his campaign but that he intentionally did not declare them to honor his donors' requests for anonymity.
The outcomes of these cases are being closely watched, as they have significant implications for the enforcement of campaign finance laws and political accountability in the Philippines.
