Sorsogon contractor asked to explain campaign donation to Escudero

By Ferdinand Patinio, Philippine News Agency

Commission on Elections Chairperson George Erwin Garcia (File Photo: COMELEC/Facebook)

MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has issued a show cause order to Lawrence Lubiano, president of Centerways Construction and Development Inc., to personally give his side regarding his donations to Senator Francis Escudero during the campaign period for the May 2022 polls.

According to Comelec Chairperson George Garcia, they will also invite Lubiano to appear before the poll body to provide more details regarding the matter.

“The show cause order was issued earlier. At the same time, he was invited to appear in a meeting or hearing by the Comelec,” he said in an interview on Thursday at the Comelec main office in Manila.

“Besides the written explanation, it would be good to also call him for a formal meeting…There are things that need to be confirmed… We want to know the extent of his contribution and donation,” the poll body chief added.

At the same time, Garcia clarified that the invitation is not for a preliminary investigation but for collating evidence.

“This is not yet part of the preliminary investigation but part of our case buildup and evidence gathering. As we said, it’s better if it is not just a position paper,” he said.

Garcia noted that they are also looking to invite Escudero after getting the side of Lubiano.

“After the contractor, we will write to the candidate, who admitted to receiving help from him,” he added.

Escudero previously confirmed that Lubiano, who is said to be the top flood control contractor in Sorsogon province, contributed PHP30 million to his senatorial campaign.