📷: Lawrence Lubiano, president of Centerways Construction and Development Inc.
In a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing meant to expose corruption in flood control projects, one name loomed large but was barely touched: Lawrence Lubiano, president of Centerways Construction and Development Inc., and top campaign donor of Senate President Chiz Escudero.
Public interest lawyer Jesus Falcis raised the alarm over what he called a “glaring omission” in the proceedings.
Despite Lubiano’s ₱30 million donation to Escudero’s 2022 campaign, and his company’s subsequent bagging of ₱5.16 billion worth of flood control contracts, many in Escudero’s home province of Sorsogon, senators failed to ask him a single substantive question.
“Correct me if I’m wrong,” Falcis posted on Facebook, “but did Marcoleta or any DDS senator ask Lubiano why he donated ₱30 million to Chiz Escudero? Did they ask anything at all aside from confirming his presence?”
Falcis said he monitored the entire hearing and even rewound the YouTube livestream to double-check.
His conclusion: no questions were asked about Lubiano’s ties to Escudero, nor about the contracts Centerways secured.
Senate Circus or Oversight?
Falcis didn’t mince words, calling the hearing a “Senate circus” led by Senator Rodante Marcoleta.
He argued that the Senate is in no position to investigate contractor corruption when senators themselves have questionable ties.
According to the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ), at least three senators, Escudero, Joel Villanueva, and Bong Go, have links to contractors flagged in the flood control probe. But the list may grow: COMELEC and SOCE disclosures for the 2025 elections are still being reviewed.
Lubiano’s Silence, Escudero’s Defense
Escudero has acknowledged his friendship with Lubiano but downplayed the contractor’s role, saying Centerways only accounted for about 1% of the ₱545 billion allocated for flood control projects.
Lubiano, for his part, claimed there was no connection between his donation and the contracts awarded to his firm.
Still, Falcis insists that the lack of inquiry into Lubiano’s donations and project wins undermines the credibility of the Senate’s investigation.
“It is a glaring ommision not to ask him any question – from his friendship with Chiz to the numerous projects his company bagged in Sorsogon and beyond,” Falcis said.
“So again, can we go instead for an independent commission to investigate flood control scams?”
With billions in public funds at stake and flood-prone communities left vulnerable, the call for an impartial body to investigate flood control scams is gaining traction.
Advocates argue that only a non-partisan, independent commission can restore public trust and ensure accountability. (ZIA LUNA)
