The Supreme Court has dismissed a petition questioning the Commission on Elections’ (Comelec) ruling that cleared Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero of alleged election code violations over a ₱30‑million campaign donation from a contractor.
In a notice issued by Clerk of Court Marife Cuevas, the tribunal’s en banc said the petition for review filed by teacher Barry Tayam was junked for “being the wrong remedy.” The resolution, promulgated June 3, has yet to be released, but Tayam confirmed receipt of the notice.
Tayam stressed the case was thrown out on technical grounds, not on its merits. He said he is weighing whether to file a motion for reconsideration or refile the case via certiorari, noting that a related petition lodged by lawyer Jesus Falcis remains pending before the high court.
The Comelec had earlier terminated its motu proprio probe into Escudero’s campaign donation, citing lack of evidence. The issue stemmed from a House inquiry where contractor Lawrence Lubiano, president of Centerways Construction and Development Inc., was said to have admitted donating ₱30 million to Escudero’s 2022 senatorial bid. Both Escudero and Lubiano denied any violation.
Under Section 95(c) of the Omnibus Election Code, government contractors are barred from contributing to candidates’ campaigns. The Comelec, however, found no proof that Lubiano breached the provision.# (ZIA LUNA)
