An ethics complaint has been filed against Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, accusing him of “conduct unbecoming a member of the Senate” for allegedly accepting a P30-million campaign donation from a businessman whose construction company later secured billions of pesos in government contracts.
The complaint was submitted by lawyer Eldrige Marvin Aceron before the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges. It centers on a 2022 election donation from Lawrence Lubiano, president and 99.331 percent owner of Centerways Construction and Development, Inc. Aceron claimed that Lubiano declared the contribution as “personal,” but financial records suggest corporate funds may have been used.
Before the donation, Centerways Construction had won just 12 government contracts in 2021 worth P720 million. But from 2022 to 2025—following Lubiano’s donation—the company reportedly secured 90 projects amounting to about P15.9 billion. Many of these contracts were concentrated in Sorsogon, where Escudero previously served as governor from 2019 to 2022.
The complaint also points to inconsistencies in Centerways’ financial statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). A forensic review revealed a “P35-million hole” in its equity accounts. Aceron noted that its 2022 filings appeared in three different versions—one showing beginning retained earnings of P315 million, later revised to P280 million without explanation. The drop coincides with both a P30-million campaign donation and a P35-million “Deposit for Subscription” recorded in 2021, raising concerns over the use of corporate funds for political purposes.
Aceron argued that Escudero may have violated several laws and ethical standards, including the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials, the Omnibus Election Code’s prohibition on donations from government contractors, and procurement integrity rules if financial reports were falsified.
The complaint seeks subpoenas for Centerways’ financial records, audit work papers, and related bidding documents, as well as testimony from Lubiano, the company’s external auditor, and Department of Public Works and Highways officials. Sanctions sought range from censure to suspension or even expulsion from the Senate. The complaint further urged referrals to the Department of Justice and the Office of the Ombudsman for possible criminal prosecution.
As of press time, Escudero has not publicly responded to the complaint. The Senate Ethics Committee is expected to deliberate on whether to formally hear the case.