Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero maintained before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) that he legally accepted a ₱30-million campaign donation from his friend, contractor Lawrence Lubiano, in his belief that it was given in a personal capacity.
Comelec Chair George Garcia confirmed Escudero’s affidavit echoed his public statements defending the donation, while the poll body continues to assess if this violates Section 95C of the Omnibus Election Code, which prohibits contributions from contractors.
Escudero’s lawyer, Ramon Esguerra, insisted the donation was lawful, properly declared, and in line with common practice.
The senator, then Sorsogon governor during the 2022 elections, argued that Lubiano’s company, Centerways Construction, had no government flood control contracts at the time.
However, public records show the firm has since secured 85 such projects worth ₱5.4 billion, 55 of which are located in Sorsogon.
Source: PhilNews24 | October 15, 2025
