Chiz Liable for Taking P30M, But Comelec Is Waffling

GOTCHA

- JARIUS BONDOC

Senate President Chiz Escudero can be removed and jailed for taking campaign contributions from a DPWH contractor.

Proof is his sworn Statement of Contributions and Expenditures for Election 2022.

The SOCE lists P30 million from Lawrence Lubiano of Centerways Construction and Development Inc. Lubiano can also be jailed.

The P30 million was the biggest chunk, 20 percent, of handouts.

"I know him, he's a friend and [Sorsogon] province-mate," Escudero told reporters Wednesday.

The Omnibus Election Code, Section 95(c) prohibits government contractors from donating, election lawyer Romy Macalintal reminded yesterday.

Comelec Resolutions 10772 for Election 2022 and 11109 for Election 2025 limit doles to five percent of the giver's taxable income for the previous year, Macalintal recalled.

"No person shall solicit or receive directly or indirectly contribution for partisan political activity from any entity or person who holds contracts to supply government with goods or services, or to perform construction and other works," Macalintal read out.

Section 263 holds criminally liable "the principals, accomplices and accessories."

The prohibition is provided for under Section 95(c) of the Omnibus Election Code (OEC). Violation of this rule is an election offense which carries the penalty of one to six years imprisonment with no probation and disqualification to hold public office as provided under Section 265 of the OEC.

Section 264 penalizes violators with one to six years imprisonment, plus removal and disqualification from public office.

Comelec can motu proprio investigate the candidate and contributor, Macalintal said.

But Comelec Chairman George Garcia sounded reluctant in two broadcast interviews yesterday: