Comelec to rule next week on Chiz campaign donors

MANILA, Philippines —  The Commission on Elections is expected to come out next week with its ruling on the legality of Sen. Francis Escudero’s acceptance of donations from a government contractor for his 2022 campaign.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia said the members of the commission are now reviewing the recommendation submitted by its Political Finance and Affairs Department (PFAD).

“Hopefully not later than Wednesday next week, Comelec will already have a decision on this matter,” Garcia said yesterday.

He said the commission has the option to adopt or set aside the PFAD’s recommendation.

According to him, the commission is expected to come out with the ruling before resolving the complaint filed against Escudero concerning the same issue.

The Comelec conducted a motu proprio investigation after Escudero admitted receiving a P30-million campaign donation from Lawrence Lubiano, the president of a government contracting firm.

Aside from Lubiano’s firm, 26 other government contractors that gave campaign donations to candidates in the 2022 elections are also facing investigation.

Garcia said these contractors have until Friday to answer the summons issued by the Comelec against them.