The Commission on Elections has issued subpoenas to campaign contributors of Sens. Francis Escudero and Rodante Marcoleta over alleged non-disclosure of donations.
COMELEC Chairman George Erwin Garcia confirmed the action, noting that all identified contributors were directed to submit responses in a preliminary investigation. Garcia stated that donors must explain why they allegedly failed to disclose contributions within the period required by law. He warned that failure to report within 30 days after an election could lead to liability under the Omnibus Election Code, with penalties of one to six years imprisonment. The chairman explained that Republic Act 7166 removed criminal liability for candidates but not for donors. COMELEC had recommended dismissing cases against the senators while continuing action against contributors. Marcoleta was previously cleared due to insufficient evidence, while Escudero's case involving some P30 million has been elevated to the Supreme Court.
