MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court of the Philippines has dismissed a petition challenging the dismissal of a complaint against Francis Escudero over campaign donations he received during the 2022 senatorial elections.
George Erwin Garcia on Friday shared the court’s June 3, 2026 resolution, which dismissed the petition filed by private citizen John Barry Tayam for using the wrong legal remedy.
The petition questioned a decision by the Commission on Elections Political Finance and Affairs Department (PFAD) to terminate its investigation into allegations that Escudero and Lawrene Lubiano violated Section 95 of the Omnibus Election Code.
Escudero previously confirmed receiving a P30 million campaign contribution from Lubiano but denied helping Centerways Construction and Development Inc. obtain government flood control contracts. The company was among the contractors identified by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as recipients of major flood control projects.
Section 95 of the Omnibus Election Code prohibits government contractors from making campaign contributions and bars candidates from soliciting or receiving such donations.
PFAD ruled that Lubiano and Centerways are separate legal entities and found no evidence that the contribution came from corporate funds.
The agency said it found no proof that Centerways’ money was used for Escudero’s campaign through Lubiano’s donation.
Tayam argued that Lubiano and Centerways should not be treated separately because of Lubiano’s long-standing role as the company’s president.
Escudero’s camp declined to comment on the Supreme Court’s resolution.
