The Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced on Monday, June 1, 2026, that it has already transmitted the necessary documents requested by the Office of the Ombudsman regarding Senator Rodante Marcoleta and the May 2025 elections.
In a statement made during an interview in Laguna, Comelec Chairman George Garcia confirmed that the documents, including Marcoleta's Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE), have been submitted to the Ombudsman.
"The Comelec is fully cooperating and assisting in our own small way in the investigation being conducted by the Office of the Ombudsman," Garcia stated.
Regarding the commission's own inquiries, Garcia revealed that subpoenas have been issued to campaign contributors of Senators Francis Escudero and Marcoleta. Specifically, subpoenas were sent to former Representative Mike Defensor, Joseph Espiritu, and Aristotle Viray for their alleged failure to declare campaign contributions made to Marcoleta during the May 2025 polls.
"I think the subpoenas were issued about two weeks ago and were sent to them," Garcia explained.
Additionally, a subpoena was issued to Lawrence Lubiano, president of Centerways Construction and Development Inc., for alleged prohibited campaign contributions made to Escudero during the May 2022 elections. "The preliminary investigation is already underway. What I know is that the subpoena has already been issued by our Law Department to the contributor or donor himself," Garcia said.
When asked whether a subpoena was issued against Escudero, Garcia clarified that initial actions are focused on the donors. "Just like what was done with other cases, contractors are being prioritized, the contributors are prioritized," he added.
Previously, the Comelec conducted a motu proprio investigation involving Lubiano and Escudero after Lubiano contributed PHP 30 million to Escudero's senatorial campaign while his firm held government contracts. The poll body eventually dismissed the case, ruling that the donation was made in Lubiano's personal capacity. Subsequently, lawyer and vlogger Jesus Falcis filed a formal complaint against Escudero with the Comelec regarding the same issue.
In Marcoleta's case, the commission had earlier investigated his alleged failure to fully disclose PHP 75 million in campaign contributions during the 2025 polls. The case was dismissed, with the Comelec stating that such failure no longer constitutes an election offense. However, a preliminary investigation was recommended for Defensor, Espiritu, and Viray, as their failure to report contributions is considered an election offense.
Separately, the Office of the Ombudsman has filed plunder and indirect bribery charges against Marcoleta and his three campaign donors for the undeclared campaign donations.
