Manila: The Political Finance and Affairs Department (PFAD) of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has cleared Senator Francis 'Chiz' Escudero and a campaign donor of any violations of the Omnibus Election Code concerning the PHP30-million contributions received by the lawmaker during the May 2022 elections.

According to Philippines News Agency, the PFAD, in a nine-page resolution, decided to terminate the investigation against Escudero and Lawrence Lubiano, president of Centerways Construction and Development Inc. The resolution, promulgated on November 26, concluded that there was no evidence to support allegations that Section 95(c) of the Omnibus Election Code was breached by either Lubiano or Escudero.

The PFAD further clarified that since no violation of Section 95(c) by Lubiano was found, Escudero's acceptance of the contribution for his election campaign faced no legal obstacles. The contribution from Lubiano was noted to be made in a personal capacity, with no evidence suggesting that corporate funds from Centerways were used in the donation.

The resolution emphasized that Lubiano's role as president of Centerways did not justify disregarding the separate legal identities of Lubiano and the corporation without clear evidence of fraud or bad faith. The PFAD highlighted that mere allegations without proof are insufficient to challenge the separate legal personalities involved.

In August, Escudero acknowledged Lubiano's contribution to his campaign during the May 2022 senatorial race, which was duly reported in his Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE).