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Advocates Philippines
Comelec Clears Escudero, Lubiano Of Wrongdoing In Campaign Donation Complaint
Photo credit: Chiz Escudero
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has cleared Senator Francis Escudero and contractor Lawrence Lubiano of any violation regarding a campaign donation exceeding ₱30 million, affirming that no election laws were breached.
The Comelec’s Political Finance and Affairs Department (PFAD) concluded in its resolution that there was no evidence that Lubiano, president of Centerways Construction and Development Inc., used corporate funds for his contribution to Escudero’s 2022 senatorial campaign. Corporate donations are strictly prohibited under the Omnibus Election Code, but personal donations are allowed if the funds come from an individual’s personal income.
Lubiano submitted documents proving the funds were his own and not from the company, and PFAD investigators found nothing to suggest the donation came from a prohibited source. Escudero’s campaign team also properly declared the contribution in the Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE), meeting transparency requirements.
In response, Senator Escudero issued a statement emphasizing his commitment to integrity and compliance:
“Since we first ran for public office in 1998, we have worked to consistently comply with our election laws because this is the foundation of public trust. The Commission on Elections decision affirms what we have always believed and practiced — that transparency, honesty, and adherence to the rules matter, and that the truth prevails when the process is fair. The Comelec’s ruling strengthens my faith in our institutions and reinforces my commitment to continue serving with integrity and accountability.”
The Comelec’s clearance effectively closes the chapter on the controversy, underscoring the importance of transparent and lawful political processes.
The Comelec’s Political Finance and Affairs Department (PFAD) concluded in its resolution that there was no evidence that Lubiano, president of Centerways Construction and Development Inc., used corporate funds for his contribution to Escudero’s 2022 senatorial campaign. Corporate donations are strictly prohibited under the Omnibus Election Code, but personal donations are allowed if the funds come from an individual’s personal income.
Lubiano submitted documents proving the funds were his own and not from the company, and PFAD investigators found nothing to suggest the donation came from a prohibited source. Escudero’s campaign team also properly declared the contribution in the Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE), meeting transparency requirements.
In response, Senator Escudero issued a statement emphasizing his commitment to integrity and compliance:
“Since we first ran for public office in 1998, we have worked to consistently comply with our election laws because this is the foundation of public trust. The Commission on Elections decision affirms what we have always believed and practiced — that transparency, honesty, and adherence to the rules matter, and that the truth prevails when the process is fair. The Comelec’s ruling strengthens my faith in our institutions and reinforces my commitment to continue serving with integrity and accountability.”
The Comelec’s clearance effectively closes the chapter on the controversy, underscoring the importance of transparent and lawful political processes.
Nov 26, 2025
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