The Supreme Court will review the Commission on Elections' decision clearing Senator Francis Escudero for accepting a P30-million campaign donation from a government contractor. High school teacher John Barry Tayam filed the plea with the high court. The donation came from Lawrence Lubiano during the 2022 elections.
In Manila, Philippines, the Supreme Court has agreed to review the Commission on Elections' (Comelec) decision clearing Senator Francis Escudero. The case involves a P30-million campaign donation he accepted from a government contractor during the 2022 elections.
High school teacher John Barry Tayam petitioned the high court against Comelec's ruling. He argued that contractor Lawrence Lubiano and Centerways Construction and Development are effectively the same, as Lubiano is the majority owner of the company.
Comelec's Political Finance and Affairs Department had ruled that Lubiano and Centerways are “distinct legal entities.” Lubiano was Escudero’s top campaign donor in 2022.
This review highlights ongoing scrutiny of campaign finance practices in the Philippines.
