Comelec Issues Show Cause Order Against Chiz Escudero on Campaign Donation
CHIZ ESCUDERO – The senator has been ordered by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to explain the ₱30 million campaign donation he allegedly received from a contractor during the 2022 elections.
Comelec Chairman George Garcia confirmed that a show cause order (SCO) was sent to Escudero on October 4, giving him ten days to respond. Escudero, or his lawyer, is required to attend a hearing before the poll body’s Political Finance and Affairs Department on October 13, 2025.
The order came after Lawrence Lubiano, president of Centerways Construction and Development Inc., admitted during a House hearing that he gave ₱30 million to Escudero’s campaign. Lubiano claimed the money came from his personal account and not from the company. However, Centerways has drawn attention for cornering a significant share of government flood control projects.
Under Section 95 of the Omnibus Election Code, contractors with government projects are prohibited from donating to political campaigns. If found guilty, violators may face imprisonment and disqualification from holding public office.
Escudero acknowledged that Lubiano is both a friend and campaign donor but denied any wrongdoing. He insisted that he has no connection to Centerways’ projects and described the issue as an attempt to damage his reputation. Escudero said, “We welcome the opportunity to prove that—like the others who are similarly situated in the PCIJ report on the 2022 elections—no law has been violated.”
Garcia clarified that Escudero is not being singled out. The Comelec is also investigating other figures, including President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte, for allegedly receiving questionable donations during the 2022 elections. Malacañang has said Marcos is open to being investigated.
Election lawyer Romulo Macalintal explained that receiving money from individuals or companies with government contracts is prohibited, regardless of whether the funds came from a personal or corporate account.