Manila: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced that campaign contributors of Senators Francis Escudero and Rodante Marcoleta have been summoned to respond to complaints filed against them related to the May 2025 elections. The move marks a significant step in the ongoing investigations concerning election-related activities.
According to Philippines News Agency, Comelec chairperson George Garcia disclosed that subpoenas have been issued to Lawrence Lubiano, a contributor for Escudero, and former party-list Representative Michael Defensor, Joseph Varias Espiritu, and Aristotle Baluyut Viray, who contributed to Marcoleta's campaign. The subpoenas are part of a preliminary investigation process initiated by the Comelec's law department.
Garcia explained that the current investigation originated from formal complaints filed by private individuals, which differs from the initial motu proprio fact-finding inquiry conducted by the poll body. The initial inquiry did not find substantial evidence against the lawmakers as it was based solely on available documents and lacked a formal complainant. The recent complaints, however, have introduced new documents requiring responses from the accused contributors.
The Comelec chief emphasized that a violation of the Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE) rules does not automatically lead to disqualification. It may, however, be considered an election offense depending on further findings. Garcia noted that failing to file the SOCE twice could result in a perpetual disqualification from holding public office.
Lawyer Jesus Falcis previously filed a complaint against Escudero, prompting the Comelec Law Department to conduct a preliminary investigation into three contributors for failing to submit their report of contributions within the stipulated time frame following the national elections.
