Comelec wants contractor to explain 2022 campaign donations to Chiz

By Ferdinand Patinio, Philippine News Agency

“Let’s wait for his (Lubiano) answer and, then, we will send a show cause order or letter to Senator Chiz Escudero to explain his side,” he added. (File Photo: Senate of the Philippines/Facebook)

MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is set to ask Centerways Construction and Development, Inc. president Lawrence Lubiano to explain his campaign donations to Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero in the May 2022 polls.

In an interview, Comelec Chairperson George Garcia said they would send a show cause order to the private contractor on Thursday as part of their ongoing investigation on possible prohibited campaign donations.

“Tomorrow, we will issue a show cause order to Mr. Lubiano now that he has admitted in the House of Representatives hearing that he gave PHP30 million to Senator Escudero,” he said. “We want to get his side and explanation.”

Garcia said they plan to send a separate letter to the senator, who has admitted receiving a campaign donation from Lubiano.

“Let’s wait for his (Lubiano) answer and, then, we will send a show cause order or letter to Senator Chiz Escudero to explain his side,” he added.

On the other hand, Garcia noted that they have asked the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to identify those companies that had government contracts during the May 2022 poll period.

He said they initially sent a list of 52 contractors and are waiting for the agency’s response.

“We asked DPWH if any of the 52 had contracts with the government during the 2022 elections, during the filing of candidacy, or after the election to find out if they were government contractors,” he said.

The poll body initially found 43 contractors who allegedly contributed to seven national candidates, and 15 political parties and party-list organizations.

Garcia added that the nine additional contractors were identified through their contributions to local candidates.

“There were nine contractors, which donated to two candidates for governor, and two candidates for vice governor,” he said.

Section 95 (c) of the Omnibus Election Code (OEC) prohibits poll contributions from contractors engaged in government projects.