Manila: Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairperson George Garcia announced his intention to recuse himself from any potential case filed against Senator Francis Escudero concerning allegedly prohibited campaign contributions received during the 2022 elections. Garcia, who previously served as Escudero’s election lawyer, made this declaration during an interview at the Comelec main office in Intramuros.
According to Philippines News Agency, Garcia stated, “[I] will inhibit, especially in the case of Sen. Chiz Escudero, because I have served before as his lawyer. We will do that when he is officially and formally required to respond to the invitation to provide a counter-affidavit.” This decision stems from Escudero’s admission of receiving a campaign donation from Lawrence Lubiano, president of Centerways Construction and Development Inc., a major flood control contractor in Sorsogon province. Lubiano reportedly contributed PHP30 million to Escudero’s senatorial campaign in 2022.
The Omnibus Election Code explicitly prohibits candidates from accepting contributions for partisan political activities from individuals or entities engaged in government contracts. The Comelec recently issued a show cause order to Lubiano, requiring him to appear before the Commission, although he has not yet responded, as noted by Garcia. “This is to allow him to explain and to provide answers to the questions regarding his donation of PHP30 million to a candidate for a current senator,” Garcia elaborated.
Furthermore, Garcia mentioned that the Comelec is in the process of verifying the identities of companies that have contributed to politicians’ campaign funds. The poll chief emphasized the need for confirmation from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) before releasing the names to the public. “As soon as we get certification from the DPWH, we will release the list of contractors. We just want to know which among the 52 construction companies, how many are really government contractors, and how many are really private (contractors),” he said.
Garcia underscored the Commission’s commitment to transparency, stating, “Once the certifications are released from the DPWH, we will release the list to the public, and we will write to them one by one and invite them to attend the hearing.” This move aims to ensure accountability and adherence to election laws concerning campaign contributions.