Comelec Chairman George Garcia says the poll body will issue a show cause order to Lawrence Lubiano of Centerways Construction, who admitted to donating ₱30 million to the campaign of Senator Chiz Escudero.
Garcia says Lubiano will be the first among 52 contractors to be asked to explain, following his public admission. The investigation involves four senatorial candidates and three congressional bets.
“Hindi pa kaagad pwedeng sabihin na tamang depensa ang private capacity pagkat napakahirap dahil kung magakaganon lahat ng nagbigay pala ay private capacity,” Garcia says, adding that this is still being studied.
Asked why only the contractors are required to explain initially, Garcia said the Comelec needs to verify whether they are government contractors. Otherwise, there would be no violation - and no need for the candidates to respond.